Victory for NBM of Africa as Court Affirms Legal Status
In a landmark ruling today, the High Court 2 in Effurun, Delta State, delivered a resounding victory for the organization, reaffirming the legal status of NBM of Africa as a legally registered and lawful charitable/non-governmental organization.
The judgement, delivered in Suit No. EHC/210/2021: The Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa & Ors Vs. Linda Ikeji, was overwhelmingly in favour of NBM of Africa. The court awarded 30 million Naira as general damages for the libellous publications and imposed a fine of N300,000 against the Defendant.
As part of the judgement, the court ordered a public apology to be published in Linda Ikeji’s online blog and two national daily newspapers within 14 days. Additionally, Linda Ikeji was restrained from making further defamatory publications against the organization and its members.
Present at the court today were the revered and indefatigable National President, National Secretary (Organization’s Solicitor), and a Counsel from the National Secretary’s law firm.
This victory marks a significant milestone for NBM of Africa and its members, affirming their legal standing and protecting their reputation from unjust attacks. It sends a clear message that defamation will not be tolerated, and justice will prevail.
About NBM of Africa
Neo Black Movement of Africa, otherwise known as NBM is a Movement that started at the University of Benin; Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, in 1977 by Nine energetic, visionary and intellectually radical undergraduates of the said University.
They were; John Okogie, Nicholas Idemudia, Tokunbo Brown, Uche Alumona, Marvel Akpoyibo, Olagunju Ojo, Gbolahon Dosunmu, Bernard Ojishua and Godwin Ehigiator. Then, the pioneer patron of the Movement was Professor Onwuejiogwu (a Professor of History and Anthropology).
The NBM of Africa was birthed on the premise to check and balance the seeming nuances of inequalities and social injustices prevalent in many societies. Focusing on intellectual radicalism in pursuit of Pan-African struggles, the founders considered the clarion cry for the liberation of African territories under colonial rule.
Thus its founding mantra has remained social justice and equality for all, flowing from the radical school of thought shared by the founding fathers for a more egalitarian society.
NBM of Africa has metamorphosed in the past three decades from a tertiary fraternity to a reputable Global Movement with presence in Africa, North and South America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia, with an estimated global membership of about One million (1,000,000) persons of diverse backgrounds.
Association with Black Axe Confraternity
Neo-Black Movement Of Africa had in past denied Links With Black Axe Confraternity
Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa had denied links with the “faceless” group, Black Axe Confraternity, decrying “libellous, malicious, and satanic” reports on social and conventional media.
NBM of Africa also denied one Mr. Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim who was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command in ljebu-Ode for allegedly being a cultist, kidnapper, and armed robber who goes about with the name Black Axe Confraternity, saying he is not a member or represent NBM of Africa.
In a release signed by Mr Oluwatosin Dixon, the National Public Relations Officer of NBM of Africa, the group says its nomenclature and modus operandi are visibly different from Black Axe Confraternity, saying it is the highest height of insult, aberration, and character assassination to link both groups.
The group swiped at the reports for not displaying professionalism, which it says the media are known for over the years. The statement said in part, *Mr Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim is not and has never been a member of NBM Of Africa. Hence, nobody/person or agency/government should link him with our positive and progressive organisation.
“We restate categorically that NBM Of Africa is not in any way related to Black Axe Confraternity to warrant using the name as ‘alias’
“For the avoidance of doubt, NBM Of Africa is not a faceless and criminal organisation. It is a properly registered Pan-African Organisation”.
NBM Of Africa as a law-abiding organisation will or shall never support criminal activities or elements.
“We view this recent claim in the media as not only malicious, defamatory, libellous, and misleading but also an affront and slander against the integrity and reputation of NBM Of Africa built over the years. “We sternly advise that our organisation, NBM Of Africa, should not be linked/associated with Black Axe Contraternity as light and darkness have nothing in common. “We are of strong opinion without equivocation or contradiction that whoever commits crime anywhere in the world should be made to face the full weight of the law”
Also Read: Okuama: NBM condemns killings of soldiers, calls for proper investigation
“We urge the media to be accurate, objective, and maintain the ethical standards of the journalism profession always. “Lastly, our noble organisation will not tolerate any further smear that will bring the organisation’s name to disrepute or public opprobrium. Be warned that any form of such malfeasance will only necessitate legal actions. “The relevant government security agencies, media organisations, and the general public should take note accordingly.”
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