Court Shifts NBM Suit Against Edo Government To November 26

The Federal High Court in Benin has adjourned the fundamental rights enforcement case filed by the NBM of Africa against the Edo State Government and others to November 26, 2025.

The matter was moved forward to allow proper service of processes on all parties involved.

The dispute arose after the Edo State Government demolished the organisation’s multi-billion-naira national secretariat over alleged links to cult activities. The Pan-African group, angered by what it described as a malicious act, dragged the state government to court, arguing that the demolition violated its fundamental rights.

At the latest sitting, counsel to the applicants, Prince Eze Nwauwa, told the court that despite filing a stay of proceedings, the process had not been served on the third respondent, the Nigeria Police. He explained that attempts to serve the papers in Benin were redirected to the police headquarters in Abuja, creating delays.

Nwauwa then requested an adjournment to complete service and pursue an appeal against an earlier ruling that joined an additional respondent, Barrister A. A. Orunkoya, to the case. The request was not opposed by counsel representing the Edo State Government, other respondents, and the newly joined party. The police, however, were absent in court.

The presiding judge, Justice Chukwu Obiozor, granted the adjournment, allowing the applicants more time to serve the outstanding processes before the matter continues. The applicants also plan to approach the Court of Appeal in Benin to challenge the July 10 ruling that included Orunkoya in the suit.

Speaking after the session, members of the legal team representing NBM of Africa expressed confidence in securing justice. They maintained that the demolition was unlawful and insisted the case would be pursued until the organisation’s rights were fully addressed.

The case, which has drawn public attention since the demolition, will now continue in November when the court is expected to hear arguments on the pending applications and the appeal process.