Inside Edo
Human rights groups petition Edo State Waste Management Board over assault, misconduct by zonal manager
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
10 Nov 2025 01:40 PM
Benin, Edo - The Human Rights Freedom Global Network, in collaboration with the Coalition for Civil Rights Group of Nigeria (CCRGN), has filed a formal complaint and petition against the Zonal Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB), Zone 23, for alleged assault, abuse of office, and unprofessional conduct.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action from the state government and relevant authorities.
According to the petition, led by Comrade Alexander Ojumah Egwali, the rights groups visited the Zone 23 office, located opposite Muoka Foam Factory on Okhun Road, Off Benin–Lagos Road, to deliver a complaint regarding fraudulent billing and non-service delivery affecting a registered customer, Mr. Uyi Ahamwan, of No. 10, Edosonmwan Street, Ovia North East Local Government Area.
The visit, intended to address these issues through official channels, reportedly turned hostile when the Zonal Manager verbally assaulted, insulted, and physically pushed the delegation.
Comrade Egwali detailed the incident in the petition, stating that the Manager used derogatory language, referring to the group as “jobless activists,” and refused to accept or acknowledge the official petition they had brought.
The rights groups claim this behavior is part of a broader pattern of misconduct, with previous complaints from residents and waste customers about fraudulent billing, non-service delivery, and extortionate practices going unaddressed.
The petition demands an immediate investigation into the Zonal Manager’s conduct, his suspension or disengagement pending the outcome, and an official apology from the Edo State Waste Management Board to the affected organization and members.
The groups have set a seven-day ultimatum for action, warning of a peaceful protest at the Edo State Government House and other relevant offices if their demands are not met.
Copies of the petition have been sent to key state officials, including the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Edo State Command, the Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Edo State Command, and the Chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area.
The Edo State Waste Management Board has yet to respond to the allegations, but the incident has raised concerns about the treatment of citizens and the accountability of public officers.
Residents and activists are closely watching the situation, hoping for swift and decisive action to address the grievances and restore trust in the waste management system.
As the deadline approaches, the potential for further escalation looms, with the rights groups ready to mobilize if their demands for justice, transparency, and accountability are not met.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in public service delivery and the critical role of civil society in holding government officials accountable.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action from the state government and relevant authorities.
According to the petition, led by Comrade Alexander Ojumah Egwali, the rights groups visited the Zone 23 office, located opposite Muoka Foam Factory on Okhun Road, Off Benin–Lagos Road, to deliver a complaint regarding fraudulent billing and non-service delivery affecting a registered customer, Mr. Uyi Ahamwan, of No. 10, Edosonmwan Street, Ovia North East Local Government Area.
The visit, intended to address these issues through official channels, reportedly turned hostile when the Zonal Manager verbally assaulted, insulted, and physically pushed the delegation.
Comrade Egwali detailed the incident in the petition, stating that the Manager used derogatory language, referring to the group as “jobless activists,” and refused to accept or acknowledge the official petition they had brought.
The rights groups claim this behavior is part of a broader pattern of misconduct, with previous complaints from residents and waste customers about fraudulent billing, non-service delivery, and extortionate practices going unaddressed.
The petition demands an immediate investigation into the Zonal Manager’s conduct, his suspension or disengagement pending the outcome, and an official apology from the Edo State Waste Management Board to the affected organization and members.
The groups have set a seven-day ultimatum for action, warning of a peaceful protest at the Edo State Government House and other relevant offices if their demands are not met.
Copies of the petition have been sent to key state officials, including the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Edo State Command, the Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Edo State Command, and the Chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area.
The Edo State Waste Management Board has yet to respond to the allegations, but the incident has raised concerns about the treatment of citizens and the accountability of public officers.
Residents and activists are closely watching the situation, hoping for swift and decisive action to address the grievances and restore trust in the waste management system.
As the deadline approaches, the potential for further escalation looms, with the rights groups ready to mobilize if their demands for justice, transparency, and accountability are not met.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in public service delivery and the critical role of civil society in holding government officials accountable.
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