A cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Don Pedro Obaseki, announced on Sunday his intention to pursue legal action following an alleged assault that occurred on December 28 in Benin City.
In a formal statement, Obaseki explained that this decision was made after thorough consultations with his wife and children, members of the Obaseki family and clan, senior legal advisers, and respected elders.
He emphasized that his actions are not motivated by revenge or political agenda, but rather by the necessity for accountability, deterrence, and the safeguarding of human dignity.
According to the statement, Obaseki was forcibly taken in public by armed men during what he described as a brazen daylight operation aimed at instilling fear within the community.
On December 28, he reported that suspected thugs seized and stripped him naked at Uwa Primary School, where he had gone to play football. The incident was captured in a viral video.
Obaseki stated that he was brought to the palace and made to kneel at the gate, where the suspected thugs informed palace guards that they had delivered an “Oghion” (enemy) of the Oba.
However, some palace chiefs reportedly intervened, asserting that there was no need for conflict, and suggested that anyone claiming to be an enemy of the Oba should be left alone. Despite protests from the suspected thugs, the chiefs ultimately decided to take him in.
He was subsequently held for several hours without any charges or allegations disclosed, despite sustaining injuries during the ordeal.
Describing the incident as a serious violation of his fundamental rights, Obaseki stated that the actions constituted terrorism-related violence under Nigerian law, referencing the use of armed force, explicit threats to life, public intimidation, and the intentional creation of fear beyond the immediate victim.
He revealed that during the incident, his abductors claimed they were acting on the orders of the Oba of Benin or the Oba’s Palace.
However, he confirmed that this claim had been officially denied by the Benin Traditional Council, which issued a widely publicized letter categorically rejecting any involvement, authorization, or prior knowledge of the actions.
Obaseki indicated that he would pursue both civil and criminal proceedings concurrently, in accordance with Nigerian and international law, and with full respect for the presumption of innocence.
Given the gravity of the allegations and their broader implications for public safety and the rule of law, he has also formally notified and is engaging with international human rights organizations and partners.
“This is to announce my decision to seek redress in court following my harassment on December 28 in Benin,” he stated.
“The step is aimed at ensuring independent oversight, transparency, and proper monitoring of investigations and judicial processes, in line with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international commitments.
“My action is not only to restore my personal dignity and protect my family, but also to send a clear message that no individual or group has the right to abduct, brutalize, or publicly dehumanize any citizen outside the law.
“Out of respect for ongoing investigations and court proceedings, I will make no further factual or evidentiary comments at this stage,” he added.
He expressed his acceptance of the clarification issued by the Benin Traditional Council as the official stance of the Palace, noting it as part of the public record.
Obaseki emphasized that the legal actions being undertaken are strictly aimed at the individual perpetrators and any individuals who may be found, through due process, to have aided, facilitated, or enabled the offenses, whether through direct action, impersonation of authority, abuse of office, or omission.
To pursue this matter, he revealed that he has consulted renowned human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, who will act as lead counsel.
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