The South-South Professionals & Transparency Initiative (SSPTI) has sharply criticized Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for the demolition of a multi-billion-naira Secretariat complex belonging to the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa in Benin City. The facility, reportedly valued at over ₦1.5 billion, was razed amid the Governor’s ongoing campaign against suspected criminal hideouts in the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, SSPTI described the demolition as “vindictive and outrageous,” alleging that no evidence had linked the building to any criminal activity. The group condemned what it termed the “abusive display of executive power,” and urged the NBM to seek legal redress for what it sees as an unlawful and politically motivated act.
The demolished NBM national secretariat, located at Oba Ewuare II Cultural Center, No. 7 Arena Way, Amagba in the heart of Benin City, featured a 2,000-capacity event hall, a skill acquisition center, 20-room guest accommodation, a standard indoor swimming pool, a relaxation lounge, a 250 KVA generator, and other modern amenities.
Governor Okpebholo reportedly led the demolition operation himself, in a sweep targeting alleged criminal enclaves across the state. According to government sources, the raid followed intelligence reports linking some locations to kidnappings and internet fraud training. However, SSPTI claims the Governor’s actions were politically driven, aimed at undermining key opposition figures within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), some of whom are said to be affiliated with the NBM.
“We have investigated the matter thoroughly and found that the Governor’s real motive was to settle political scores with perceived PDP loyalists,” Dr. Alozie stated. “Rather than confront individuals directly, he chose to punish an organization that has posed no threat to his administration.”
SSPTI also highlighted recent philanthropic activities by the NBM in Edo State, including the donation of furniture and learning materials to 12 public schools. The group argued that such civic gestures prove the organization’s commitment to social development, contradicting the narrative that paints them as enablers of crime.
“This is a group that has given back to society through corporate social responsibility. To turn around and demolish their property based on unverified allegations is both reckless and unjust,” the statement added.
Calling on the NBM to take legal action, SSPTI expressed confidence that a court of competent jurisdiction could compel the Edo State government to compensate for what it called a “senseless act of political intimidation.”
