Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, seeking the immediate arrest and prosecution of Olorogun Ese Kakor, President of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa.
In a statement issued Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor accused Kakor of forging official state documents to falsely claim government approval for school renovation projects in Edo South Senatorial District.
Governor Okpebholo described the alleged forgery as a “fraudulent and criminal assault” on the integrity of the state’s governance.
He said the act was carried out with the help of certain low-level civil servants, who have since been apprehended and are under investigation.
“I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director General of the DSS to arrest and prosecute Olorogun Ese Kakor over this criminal forgery,” the governor stated.
In addition to the legal action, the governor announced the revocation of the land title for the NBM’s headquarters in Edo State, citing the organisation’s alleged links to unlawful and violent activities.
He stressed that the government would not allow criminal organisations to operate under the guise of social or cultural groups.
The petition follows heightened concerns over cult-related violence and killings in the state.
The government revealed it is consulting legal experts to initiate action against the group, pointing to recent public statements by individuals identifying themselves as NBM leaders and criticizing the state’s demolition of a building tied to the group.
“That building was not just a structure—it was a hub for planning violent attacks across Benin and other parts of the state,” Itua said.
He added that the demolition was based on credible intelligence and carried out under the state’s Anti-Cultism Law.
In response to the NBM’s claim of renovating six public schools since Okpebholo took office, the government demanded proof, including a list of schools, evidence of the work done, and official government approval. Failure to comply, the statement warned, would lead to legal action for defamation, misrepresentation, and unauthorized interference in public infrastructure.
To reinforce its crackdown, the government announced plans to build a divisional police station on the demolished site, ensuring a permanent security presence in the area.
Itua also confirmed that more demolitions targeting cult-linked properties would follow.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to law and order, denying any past or present affiliation with cult groups.
“Edo State will never be a safe haven for cultists. Anyone involved in such activities should cease immediately or leave the state,” he warned, affirming that the Anti-Cultism Law remains active and will be strictly enforced.