Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the attack and public degradation of Pedro Obaseki, former managing director of Daar Communications, describing it as “barbaric and unlawful” and calling for an immediate investigation by the police.
Obaseki, who is a cousin of former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, was reportedly assaulted on Sunday while playing football at Uwa Primary School in Benin City.
A viral video of the incident shows him being stripped naked, beaten, and paraded through the streets before being taken to the palace of the Oba of Benin, following allegations that he made disrespectful remarks at a public event in London.
In a statement, the human rights organisation said the incident reflected “complete disdain for due process” and amounted to a violation of international human rights standards on 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.”
Speaking after his release, Obaseki described the experience as traumatic and humiliating, revealing that he was forced to kneel in public.
“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.