Federal High Court Adjourns NBM Of Africa’s Human Rights Suit Against Edo State Governor To June 16, 2025

The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, on Tuesday, heard preliminary proceedings in the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by the NBM of Africa against the Governor of Edo State and two others over the alleged unlawful demolition of its secretariat.

The case, instituted under suit number FHC/13/CS/48/2025, seeks redress for alleged violations of the Applicants’ fundamental human rights during the demolition exercise.

The Applicants, led by Chief Reginald Asiuwhu, were present in court alongside 26 other representatives, including:

Raphael Chukwuzubelu
Ikem Onyeka
C.E. Ojotule
S.W. Onoghwiegbe
Emmanuel Atowo
Chikwado Peter Enyigwe
Magnus Urueshone
Udoudom Chritain
Tsaku Ayaka Michael
Emeka Kingsley Anueyiagu
Peter Ajonye Samuel
Tobenna Kingsley Nwokwu
C.O. Ekumankama
O.J. Edegba
E.O. Uhunamure
L.O. Eze
H.J. Momodu
Uwa Okoh
Paul Badairi
E. Ehijele
Emeka Chigbo
Irunoje Garuba
A. Akhere
L. Omorodion
A.C. Okhademeh
I.J. Andrew Imiefoh (Mrs)

The 1st Defendant, the Governor of Edo State, was represented by H.A. Bello, SAN, and J.E. Ogagaworia. The 2nd Defendant appeared through O.C. Igbinedion, while the 3rd Defendant had no legal representation at the hearing.

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Although the court bailiff confirmed that all parties had been duly served, he admitted misplacing the proof of service for the 3rd Defendant. Despite this, both the 1st and 2nd Defendants acknowledged receipt of the application.

Counsel to the 1st Defendant, H.A. Bello, SAN, informed the court that he was only briefed by his client on June 3, 2025, even though service was effected on May 23, 2025. Similarly, the 2nd Defendant’s counsel indicated that he was briefed on the same date.

The presiding judge expressed displeasure at the delay and lack of preparedness by the Defendants’ legal teams. Upon application for adjournment by the learned silk to enable proper filing of responses, the matter was adjourned to June 16, 2025, for definite hearing.

The court stressed that the next hearing would proceed without fail, and all responses must be properly filed ahead of the adjourned date.