Federal High Court Adjourns NBM Fundamental Rights Case To November 26, 2025

BENIN CITY – Proceedings in the fundamental rights enforcement action filed by the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa against the Edo State Government and others stalled today before the Federal High Court, Benin, leading to a further adjournment.

When the matter was called, counsel to the applicants, Nwauwa, informed the court that he had filed an application seeking a stay of proceedings pending the determination of an appeal lodged by the applicants. According to him, the appeal challenges the court’s earlier ruling joining an additional party to the suit.

All counsel representing the parties were present in court except counsel to the third respondent the Nigeria Police who had attended the last sitting but was absent at today’s proceedings without offering any excuse.

Hon. Jst. C. A. Obiozor inquired from the applicant’s counsel whether he had been served with the counter-affidavit of the third respondent. Eze Nwauwa, NOCL of Movement informed the court that he was yet to be served. He further explained that attempts to effect service of the applicants’ own processes on the third respondent had been frustrated, as the Edo State Police Command refused to accept service, insisting that such processes must be served on police headquarters in Abuja.

The court expressed displeasure at the refusal of service by the state command and noted that such conduct undermines the smooth administration of justice.

At this point, counsel to the first respondent, H.A. Bello, SAN, indicated his intention to apply for costs but withdrew the application upon observing the court’s disposition to the request.

Hon. Jst. C. A. Obiozor subsequently adjourned the matter to November 26, 2025, for hearing of the pending application and for continuation of proceedings.

The case relates to the demolition of the multi-billion-naira National Secretariat of NBM of Africa by the Edo State Government, which the applicants allege was carried out unlawfully and in breach of their fundamental rights.