Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the “barbaric and unlawful” assault and public humiliation of Pedro Obaseki, former managing director of Daar Communications, and has called for a swift police investigation.
Obaseki, a relative of former Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, was attacked on Sunday while playing football at Uwa Primary School in Benin City.
In a viral video, assailants were seen stripping him naked, beating him up, and dragging him through the streets to the palace of the Oba of Benin over alleged disrespectful comments made during a public event in London.
In a statement, the human rights organisation said the incident showed “complete disdain for due process” and violated international standards on human dignity and protection from violence.
“What happened to Mr. Obaseki is unlawful and shows complete disdain for due process. The Nigerian police @PoliceNG must investigate the incident and ensure that all those suspected of involvement in this crime are brought to justice,” the statement reads.
“What happened in Benin city on Sunday is unacceptable in a free society. It is also prohibited under international human rights law and standards aimed at safeguarding human dignity and protecting people from violence.”
Following his release, Obaseki described the incident as deeply humiliating and traumatic, adding that he was made to kneel in public glare.
“I was basically kidnapped. Some of them were holding guns, some of them known thugs, luckily I have their names, and they hauled me through the streets of Benin under the guise that they’ve been sent to abduct me by the palace of the Oba of Benin,” he said.
