The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, sparked considerable discussion last week when he ordered the demolition of certain houses believed to be associated with scammers, kidnappers, and other criminal activities.
Governor Okpebholo intends to reduce crime in the state, create a safer environment for residents, encourage farmers to return to their farms, and attract businesses back to Edo. This is a commendable mindset for a good governor.
However, I am worried about the way the governor is handling the law.
He signed this new law on 24 January 2024.
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On Page 2 of the revised law, it states: “any person who knowingly (a) harbours another person who has in his possession or control any offensive weapon; (b) harbours a member of a Secret Cult; or (c) allows or permits a Secret Cult meeting or activity to be held in any house, building, or place belonging to or occupied by him or her or over which the person has control; commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term not less than 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine as well as the confiscation of the said property and its demolition by the State Government.”
The important word here is “knowingly.” This is where the court has to step in. If a kidnapper is caught, the police must prove that the house owner knew what was going on. In simple words, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the owner of the house “knowingly harboured” the suspect.
In the recent demolitions in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, like his predecessors, acted unilaterally, issuing orders to demolish buildings without any court ruling, effectively positioning himself as emperor, judge, and jury.
Such behaviour raises concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power. The Neo-Black Movement of Africa has already criticised the governor, as one of their buildings, valued at £1.2 billion, was destroyed on his orders.
On May 1, Governor Okpebholo led his team to demolish structures believed to be associated with criminal activities. Among these was a site where kidnapped victims were once rescued and reportedly forced to learn about internet fraud and other crimes.
The demolitions took place at the end of Arena Street in Amagba, within the Government Reservation Area, and also in the Ogheghe area of the state capital. He said one of the places had a hall, several rooms with mattresses, and office spaces used by cult members.
“The property is also bordered by a moat reportedly used for initiation rituals. Notably, the premises also contained an ‘Industrial Overhead Stand and Tanks donated by its Asia Region 2016–2021,’” he claimed.
At the site in Ogheghe, the governor also claimed the building was used for internet fraud and kidnapping. He said people were held there against their will and involved in ritual acts.
“I am saddened by what is happening here. Children were kidnapped and kept here for years. You can see the shrines in this apartment. This is wickedness in its highest form. This kind of evil is unacceptable in Edo State.
“We will continue to fight crime and criminality. Wherever they hide, we will fish them out and demolish their hideouts. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Edo State. We are serious and resolute. Edo must be safe,” he said.
While I respect the governor’s strong commitment to fighting crime in Edo State, it is difficult to accept these demolitions occurring without any judicial process. I am also concerned that this good intention could be misused as a tool for political revenge.
In the past, governors in Edo State have employed demolitions to target their political rivals. This pattern began with Lucky Igbinedion, followed by Adams Oshiomhole, then Godwin Obaseki, and now continues with Okpebholo.
Amafe Jessica, a resident of Benin, posted on Facebook last Friday about how sad she felt over the demolition of her friend’s house.
She wrote: “It’s very painful to see your hard-earned morning go drain because of a bad tenant. My friend owns one of the properties that was destroyed today in Benin City.
“My friend and her husband built that house long ago. They relocated to the United Kingdom with their kids and rented their property out to the tenant, only for the tenant to turn the house into a school of Yahoo and a shrine.
She added, “I feel for my friend and her husband.” This is what happens when the governor is the judge.
What is most concerning here is that none of the homeowners of the demolished buildings have been charged. If the homeowners were genuinely involved, the law signed by Okpebholo clearly states they would face 10 years in prison without the option of a fine. By now, they should have been in jail awaiting trial. If this hasn’t happened, it’s obvious the governor also knows he cannot indict them on frivolous charges in court. Then why destroy their houses?
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Okpebholo of using the law to target its members.
In a statement from the Chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, he accused Okpebholo of “weaponizing” the fight against “criminality” to intimidate, harass, and silence PDP members.
While he said the party supports the governor’s aim to stop crime in the state, Aziegbemi said, “We have noticed a very disturbing and troubling trend that the APC state government is using the fight against crime and criminality to hound prominent members of the PDP in the state.”
He stated that a hotel owned by PDP member Hon. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen has been sealed by the governor for demolition, and a private residence belonging to another PDP member, Francis Inegbeneki, has also been marked for demolition.
I agree with the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) concern that the governor should not have the authority to decide which buildings are demolished. However, it’s worth noting that Mr.
Godwin Obaseki, a PDP governor, previously took similar actions against members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In Nigerian politics, it often seems like a case of “an eye for an eye,” and this may just be the beginning.
A group called the South-South Professionals and Transparency Initiative (SSPTI) has criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo for demolishing the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa’s secretariat building in Benin, which is estimated to have cost around N1.2 billion.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Ugochukwu Alozie, SSPTI called the action “vindictive and outrageous” because nothing illegal had been found or reported about the building.
The group urged the NBM of Africa to take legal action to seek compensation from the Edo State Government, stating that the court would ensure justice and could hold the government accountable for this misuse of power.
According to the SSPTI statement: “We have taken out time to investigate the remote cause of the Governor’s action and we have come to the realisation that Governor Okpebholo did what he did to settle score with prominent members of the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) who are perceived to be members of the NBM of Africa.”
“Obviously, there is no smoke without fire in this singular action of the state Governor and it’s all about politics and the desire to weaken the opposition in Edo state ahead of his second term bidding.”
When executive power lacks checks and balances, it can lead to dictatorship. Governor Okpebholo may have good intentions with this law, but if not implemented properly-like many other laws in Nigeria-it could be misused against those who disagree with the government. Well, that’s you and I.
The governor must ensure that the law is applied fairly, guaranteeing that anyone accused of supporting kidnappers or internet scammers receives a fair trial, particularly homeowners who are often uninvolved.
To assist homeowners, the government should enact a law that mandates landlords to conduct background checks on potential tenants before renting out their properties.
In the heart of Edo State, a battle is brewing – not just against crime, but for the soul of justice itself. Governor Okpebholo may believe he’s cleansing the land of evil, but with bulldozers leading the charge instead of judges, what’s being razed might be more than buildings. It could be the very foundation of the rule of law.
Innocent families are watching their life savings crumble to dust, all because of the crimes of tenants they may never have truly known. Political enemies cry foul, secret cults are named without trial, and billion-naira buildings vanish overnight. This isn’t just governance, this is power unleashed, unchecked and unashamed.
If the law becomes a weapon instead of a shield, who will be safe? Today it’s a suspected fraud den, tomorrow it could be your family home. Unless reason returns and the courts reclaim their place, Edo may be heading down a path where fear rules and fairness dies – a place where justice is no longer blind, but bulldozed.
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