…Dr. Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and renowned journalist, was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture before being forcefully taken to the palace.”
EDO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Pedro Obaseki, Chief Executive Officer of Hosamudia Farm and cousin of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, was stripped naked on Sunday by suspected political thugs in Benin City, Edo State.
A video circulating online shows Obaseki being attacked while playing football at Uwa Primary School. Reports indicate that the assailants abducted him and took him to the Oba’s palace, forcing him to kneel at the palace gate. The thugs allegedly told palace guards that they had brought in an “Oghion (enemy) of Oba.”
Some palace chiefs, speaking in Bini, cautioned the thugs against causing disturbances, noting that the Oba was on his way to the Holy Arousa Cathedral for a thanksgiving service marking the end of the Igue festival. One chief said, “Today is thanksgiving day at the Holy Arousa. We don’t want any trouble. If there is anybody that counts himself as an enemy of the Oba, allow him and see how he will end up.”
Despite protests from the thugs, the chiefs eventually took Obaseki inside the palace.
Former Governor Godwin Obaseki condemned the attack, calling it a “grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.” He said, “I strongly condemn the violent attack on my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs. Dr. Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and renowned journalist, was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture before being forcefully taken to the palace.”
He urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable, warning that allowing thugs and non-state actors to act with impunity on behalf of influential individuals could lead to societal anarchy.
Obaseki also called on human rights organisations, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians to speak out against the injustice and gross human rights violations.
In response, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the situation has been brought under control, noting that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had met with the parties involved.
