How Nigerian Politicians Engage Black Axe for Electoral Advantage

In Nigeria, the intersection of politics and secret cults has long been a pressing concern, particularly during election cycles. Among these groups, the Black Axe, officially known as the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, has drawn attention for its historical roots and alleged involvement in political violence. Founded in the 1970s at the University of Benin as a Pan-African student organization, the group gradually evolved into a confraternity notorious for intimidation, cybercrime, and coercion. Over the decades, investigative reports suggest that some politicians have leveraged the Black Axe to suppress opposition and influence electoral outcomes.

Investigative journalism has revealed alarming patterns linking the Black Axe to political maneuvering. A 2021 BBC Africa Eye investigation documented multiple cases in Edo State where members of the group reportedly harassed opposition candidates, disrupted rallies, and intimidated voters. The report included interviews with a former member of the Black Axe, who claimed that the philanthropic activities of the NBM are a cover for Black Axe operations. Dr. John Stone, a university lecturer and former Axeman, described both organizations as “one and the same,” with NBM serving as a formality to cover the informalities of the cult. Additionally, an anti-fraud activist using the pseudonym Uche Tobias provided thousands of secret documents, corroborating these claims and calling the Neo-Black Movement a “charade” and a “mafia.”

Sahara Reporters highlighted the arrest of 35 NBM members in a joint operation by the FBI and South African authorities. These individuals were charged with multi-million-dollar internet fraud. While the NBM denied any affiliation with the Black Axe, asserting that they are a legitimate and peaceful organization, investigative reports suggest otherwise, revealing connections between cult members and political actors.

Further context comes from Chosen Narrative, which analyzed Nigeria’s Black Axe criminal network, including instances of known Black Axe members holding political power, such as Augustus Bemigho and Tony Kabaka. The report discusses the group’s alleged role in instilling fear among voters and receiving money from officials, a dynamic that has reportedly aggravated rival gang violence and disrupted local elections.

The response of law enforcement and civil society to these abuses has often been inadequate, leaving victims exposed and perpetrators emboldened. Reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW), UNODC, PLAC, and Nigerian civil society organizations highlight the historical and ongoing role of cult groups in political violence. HRW’s 2007 report “Criminal Politics: Violence, ‘Godfathers’ and Corruption in Nigeria” documented how politicians have used cult groups to suppress voter turnout, with a former cult member recalling being hired by the PDP in Rivers State in 2003:

“My duty was to send you to hell.” — Former cult member, HRW 2007

The UNODC’s 2023 report, “From Cults to Kidnapping: A Deeper Look into Organized Crime in Nigeria,” noted that cult groups serve as enabling organizations for electoral violence and organized crime:

“Organized crime in Nigeria has become both more sophisticated and violent.” — UNODC 2023

Similarly, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) warned of escalating electoral violence ahead of the 2023 elections:

“Reports of violent attacks at political party rallies and general insecurity raise concern as campaigns intensify ahead of the 2023 general elections.” — PLAC 2022

Additionally, Nigerian civil society organizations, including The Guardian Nigeria, reported on the widespread proliferation of cultism in communities:

“Pain, chaos as cultism overruns neighbourhoods.” — Guardian Nigeria 2021

These sources collectively underscore the pervasiveness of cultism in Nigerian politics and society, highlighting the risks it poses to public safety and democratic processes.

Real-Life Case Studies: Black Axe's Alleged Role in Edo State Elections

During the 2012 gubernatorial elections in Edo State, investigations revealed that members of the Black Axe were allegedly contracted by political figures to intimidate voters and suppress opposition support. Leaked documents indicated that approximately 35 million naira (about $85,000) was directed to the group to "secure votes" in Benin City. These funds were purportedly used to mobilize cult members who engaged in various forms of voter suppression, including threats and physical intimidation.

One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted how a group of Black Axe members visited his home days before the election, demanding he support a particular candidate. "They told me it was either I vote their way or face consequences," he said. "I was too scared to report it to the police; I didn't think they'd do anything."

In the 2015 Edo State House of Assembly elections, there were reports of Black Axe members being used to disrupt opposition campaigns and intimidate voters. Eyewitnesses claimed that cult members were seen at polling units, making threats and ensuring that voters cast their ballots in favor of specific candidates. Despite numerous complaints, law enforcement agencies reportedly failed to take significant action against the perpetrators.

The 2018 local government elections in Edo State were marred by violence attributed to cult groups, including the Black Axe. Reports indicated that cult members clashed with rival groups, leading to several injuries and deaths. Political analysts suggested that the violence was orchestrated to influence election outcomes and eliminate political opponents. The state's response was criticized for being insufficient and delayed.

During the 2020 gubernatorial elections in Edo State, there were allegations that the Black Axe was involved in voter intimidation and ballot box snatching. Investigations revealed that cult members were allegedly paid to disrupt opposition rallies and ensure voter compliance. The state's government condemned the activities and vowed to take action against those responsible, but critics argued that the measures were largely symbolic and lacked enforcement.

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