Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, to urgently arrest and prosecute the President of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM), Olorogun Ese Kakor, for allegedly forging state documents.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo accused Kakor of fraudulently producing documents that falsely authorized the NBM to renovate schools in the Edo South Senatorial District. The Governor condemned the act as a “criminal and deceitful attack” on the integrity of the state’s governance and administrative systems.
Okpebholo revealed that the forgery was carried out in collaboration with junior government officials, who have already been arrested and are under investigation. He called for swift action, saying, “As the Governor of Edo State, I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to take urgent steps to arrest and prosecute Olorogun Ese Kakor for falsifying state documents.”
Furthermore, the Edo State Government has revoked the land title granted to the NBM’s headquarters in the state, citing the group’s alleged involvement in violence and illegal activities. The Governor emphasized that no group would be allowed to operate under the guise of a social organization while engaging in criminal activities.
This call comes amid growing concerns over cult-related violence and killings within the state. The state government has indicated plans to consult legal experts to initiate formal actions against NBM, particularly in light of public statements made by group leaders criticizing the demolition of a structure linked to their operations.
The state government explained that the demolished structure had been used as a base for coordinating violent activities in Benin City and surrounding areas. In response to NBM’s claims of renovating public schools, the government has demanded a list of the schools, evidence of the renovations, and proper authorization from the government. Failure to provide this will result in legal consequences, including charges of defamation, false claims, and tampering with public property.
To enhance security, the government has announced plans to establish a divisional police station on the land where the cult-linked facility once stood, and further demolitions of structures associated with cult activities are planned.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to eradicating cultism in Edo State, stating, “Edo will never serve as a sanctuary for cultists. Anyone involved in such acts should stop now or leave the state.” He also reaffirmed that his administration’s top priority is the safety and well-being of the people of Edo State, and that the state’s Anti-Cultism Law will be strictly enforced.
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