NBM Founders Day: Edo Police Move To Forestall Security Breaches, Warn Hoteliers Against Harboring Criminal Activities, Unlawful Gathering

By Eben Enasco

Edo State Police Command has taken proactive measures to prevent any potential security breaches during the Neo Black Movement (NBM) Founders Day celebration.

The NBM, popularly addressed as Aye confraternity, annually celebrates its founders day ceremony on the 7th day of July officially referred to as 7/7.

The command in its intelligence reports disclosed an alleged plan by the group to cause mayhem on the said 7/7 day.

In a statement released on Monday July 7, 2025 the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, CSP Joel Moses Yamu, added that the Command has made deployments across the State to ensure that there’s no breakdown of law and order.

The statement further warned hoteliers, lounge and bars owners across the state as well as other places that could serve as a harbour point for the criminal perpetuators not to host any unlawful gathering in their business premises as they would be made to face the wrath of the law.

While appealing to the public to be security conscious and promptly report any suspicious gatherings or activities around them to the Police, the Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika, cautioned parents and guardians to keep their children out of crime as there may be no secret cows.

NBM has been a subject of controversy and debates in Edo State, with the group being linked to a series of cult-related activities where a building serving as its headquarters was recently destroyed by the state government.

Recently, the state government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has taken a zero-tolerance stance on cultism, directing security agencies to crack down on suspected cultists.

The police command has put in place robust security measures to prevent any potential disruptions during the celebration.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has recently arrested several suspected cultists, including the alleged leader of NBM in the Edo Central Senatorial District where they also recovered firearms and other incriminating evidence from the suspects.

The police command’s warning to hoteliers and the recent arrests of suspected cultists demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.

The Command advised the public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure peaceful and safe Edo spaces.