Governor Okpebholo Petitions Police, DSS to Arrest NBM President Over Alleged Forgery
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, seeking the arrest and prosecution of Neo Black Movement , NBM President, Olorogun Ese Kakor, for alleged forgery of official state documents.
The petition, which has been widely reported by multiple national dailies, follows the discovery of documents purportedly bearing the Edo State Government’s approval for the NBM to render assistance to schools across the Edo South Senatorial District. Governor Okpebholo, through his Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, described the documents as forged and labeled the act a criminal impersonation of state authority.
“This criminal act was allegedly perpetrated in connivance with a few unscrupulous civil servants who have now been identified and arrested.
A full investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement,” the statement read.
In a decisive move, the governor also revoked the certificate of occupancy for the land on which the NBM headquarters is built, citing the organization’s alleged history of involvement in cultism and violent crimes in the state.
The government stated that it would no longer tolerate individuals or groups undermining law and order.
“The state government views the action of the NBM leadership as not just fraudulent but a serious breach of public trust and a threat to civil governance. The law must take its full course,” the statement added.
In response, the Neo Black Movement has strongly condemned the state government’s actions. The group’s National Secretary, Chief Kelvin Agbroko, argued that the organization had donated desks, chairs, doors, and writing materials to 12 schools at the state’s recommendation, and denied any wrongdoing.
Agbroko claimed the demolition of the group’s headquarters and the allegations of forgery were politically motivated and unconstitutional.
He also alleged the action was carried out without prior notification, in violation of due process.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who has faced separate allegations of cult affiliations, has issued a statement denying the claims.
He described them as “false, malicious, and aimed at damaging my reputation,” and vowed to seek legal redress.
This development marks a significant moment in the state’s ongoing battle against cultism and politically-linked violence.
The public now awaits the outcomes of investigations and possible legal proceedings, as state authorities emphasize a zero-tolerance policy for criminal infiltration of public administration.
