Obaseki heads to court over alleged assault

By Jethro Ibileke

The Obaseki family of Benin, Edo State, has retained renowned human-rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), to lead legal action against individuals accused of abducting and violently assaulting one of its members, Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City.

The alleged incident occurred on December 28, 2025. In a statement issued on Sunday, the family said both civil and criminal proceedings would be instituted against those involved, although no names were disclosed.

Dr Obaseki said the decision to seek legal redress followed wide consultations with his wife and children, members of the Obaseki family and clan, senior legal advisers and respected elders.

According to him, the move was not motivated by revenge or political considerations, but by the need to uphold accountability, deter future abuses and protect human dignity.

He stated that the legal processes would be pursued in line with Nigerian and international law, with full respect for the presumption of innocence.

Dr Obaseki alleged that he was forcefully seized in public by armed men in what he described as a brazen daylight operation intended to intimidate the wider public.

“He was reportedly beaten, stripped naked, threatened with death and paraded along major roads in Benin City while his ordeal was recorded and live-streamed by his attackers.

“He was later detained for several hours without any disclosed allegation or lawful charge, despite sustaining injuries,” the statement said.

He described the episode as a serious violation of his fundamental rights, arguing that the actions amounted to terrorism-related violence under Nigerian law due to the use of armed force, explicit threats to life, public intimidation and the deliberate creation of fear beyond the immediate victim.

Dr Obaseki further disclosed that during the incident, his abductors claimed they were acting on the instructions of the Oba of Benin or the Oba’s Palace.

However, he confirmed that the Benin Traditional Council had formally and publicly rejected this claim, issuing a widely circulated letter denying any involvement, authorisation or prior knowledge of the alleged acts.

He said he welcomed and accepted the clarification as the official position of the Palace and noted it as part of the public record.

Dr Obaseki stressed that the ongoing legal actions are directed solely at the individual perpetrators and any persons who may be found, through due process, to have aided, facilitated or enabled the offences, whether through direct participation, impersonation of authority, abuse of office or omission.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations and their wider implications for public safety and the rule of law, Dr Obaseki also confirmed that he has formally notified and is engaging international human-rights bodies and partners,” the statement added.

He said the step was intended to ensure independent oversight, transparency and proper monitoring of investigations and judicial proceedings, in line with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international commitments.

Dr Obaseki said his action was aimed not only at restoring his personal dignity and safeguarding his family, but also at sending a clear signal that no individual or group has the right to abduct, brutalise or publicly dehumanise any citizen outside the law.