NEO BLACK MOVEMENT (NBM) SECURES MAJOR LEGAL VICTORY AS COURT HALTS PROCEEDINGS IN FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS SUIT AGAINST EDO STATE GOVERNMENT
The Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit instituted by the NBM of Africa against the Edo State Government and others took a decisive turn on Tuesday as the Federal High Court, Benin City, granted a motion seeking to halt further proceedings in the matter.
The Organization, a Pan-African body, is challenging alleged violations of its rights through the demolition of its National Secretariat Building in Benin by the state government, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Nigeria Police. The applicants, represented in court by a team of four lawyers led by Prince Ezekwesiri Nwauwa, before Justice Chukwu Obiozor to move their application.
Representing the Edo State Government as first respondent was Mrs. J.E. Ogagaworia, Esq., while the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, standing as second respondent, was represented by K.P. Morakinya, Esq. Moving the motion on notice, Prince Ezekwesiri Nwauwa informed the court that the application before it sought an order staying proceedings on the substantive suit. According to him, the motion became necessary because of a pending appeal challenging the ruling of July 10, 2025, in which the lower court joined the fourth respondent as a party to the suit.
He explained that the motion, dated and filed on September 24, 2025, had been duly served on all respondents who neither opposed it nor filed any counter-application. Nwauwa argued that, having met all procedural requirements, the application was ripe for hearing and should be granted in the interest of justice. The appellants’ lead counsel who made a little amendment to the motion emphasised that with the appeal already before the Court of Appeal, it would be inappropriate for the Federal High Court to continue proceedings.
With no objection raised by any of the respondents present, and after listening to the submissions of the applicants’ counsel, Justice Obiozor accepted the argument of the applicants. Consequently, Justice Obiozor granted the application for stay of proceedings, effectively halting the substantive suit until the Appeal Court determines the pending appeal concerning the joinder of the fourth respondent. Having granted the motion, the court subsequently adjourned the matter sine die, indicating that no further date would be fixed until the appellate issues are resolved. The decision marked a significant procedural victory for the Neo Black Movement (NBM) Of Africa. The ruling is expected to shape the future direction of the rights enforcement case, which has generated considerable public interest in Edo State.
Signed:
Barr. Chike Ikem (Esq)
P.R.O NBM of Africa Worldwide.