● Former Edo governor calls for probe as palace-linked thugs accused; rights groups urged to speak out
Former Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has strongly condemned the alleged abduction, assault and humiliation of his cousin, Dr. (Don) Pedro Obaseki, a renowned journalist, playwright, producer and former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, describing the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
He spoke even as Dr. Pedro has petitioned to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, against the Oba of Benin’s Palace officials, his alleged attackers and the State’s Police commissioner. His peitition reads in full:
I write to formally petition your esteemed offices over my unlawful abduction, brutal assault, public humiliation, and unlawful detention which occurred on Sunday, 28th December 2025, in Benin City, Edo State.
At about 11:00–11:30 a.m., while playing football at Uwa Primary School, Igbesanmwan Street, I was attacked and forcibly abducted by a group of men, some of whom were armed.
The leaders of this group identified themselves as Kapuepue Adun, Osayande Obakhavbaye, Osamede Nomoless Eriyo, and Osamiefan (aka “Sales Guy”). They repeatedly stated that they were acting on the instructions of the Oba’s Palace.
I was beaten, stripped naked, dragged publicly across major roads in Benin City, including in
front of Holy Aruosa Church, paraded over a distance of approximately five kilometres, and
forcibly taken into the Oba’s Palace, where the abuse continued.
Thereafter, I was transported to the Oba Market Police Station, where I was detained for about five hours. During this period, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, informed me that my release was subject to clearance from the Oba.
I submit that these actions constitute grave violations of:
• My constitutional rights under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria (as amended);
• The Police Act and professional standards;
• Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
I respectfully request:
1. An independent investigation into the conduct of all persons involved;
2. A determination of the role of law enforcement officers, if any, in my unlawful detention;
3. Appropriate disciplinary, criminal, and civil actions where violations are established;
4. Protective measures against further threats to my safety and that of my family.
I attach my sworn affidavit in support of this petition.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki
Meanwhile, media reports corroborate substantially Dr. Pedro’s account. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Uwa Primary School in Benin City, where Pedro Obaseki had reportedly gone to play football. According to multiple accounts, he was accosted by a group of suspected thugs, popularly described as “Ogbe boys,” allegedly led by one Capuepue Adun. The assailants reportedly accused him of disrespecting the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Witnesses and sources said the attackers physically assaulted Pedro Obaseki, stripped him half-naked and forced him to submit to public humiliation before escorting him to the palace of the Oba of Benin. A viral video circulating on social media shows the victim in a visibly distressed state, being marched by armed men toward the palace, with some footage depicting him kneeling and chanting phrases allegedly demanded by his captors.
The alleged offence, according to sources familiar with the matter, stemmed from comments Pedro Obaseki was said to have made at a “Meet and Greet” event in London, where he reportedly criticised the Benin Palace and urged Edo people to refrain from using a traditional royal salutation, advocating an alternative phrase instead. These remarks were said to have been interpreted by his accusers as disrespectful to the revered monarch.
In a strongly worded statement, Godwin Obaseki expressed shock and dismay at what he described as the involvement of palace-linked actors in the incident.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin,” the former governor said.
He added, “I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling.”
Obaseki warned that allowing non-state actors to mete out punishment on behalf of powerful institutions or individuals posed a serious threat to societal order. “A situation where thugs freely take the law into their own hands can only lead to anarchy,” he said.
According to reports from the scene, some palace chiefs later intercepted the group escorting Pedro Obaseki and addressed the suspected thugs in the Bini language. The chiefs reportedly cited the Oba’s scheduled Thanksgiving service at the Holy Arousa Church to mark the end of the Igue festival, urging that there should be no trouble on such a day. Despite initial resistance from the attackers, Pedro Obaseki was eventually taken into the palace.
Sources indicated that he was to meet with the Oba of Benin, ostensibly to offer an apology. As of the time of filing this report, there were conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of his continued presence at the palace, with some sources suggesting he was awaiting further directives before being released.
Godwin Obaseki has called on security agencies to immediately and transparently investigate the incident, identify all those involved and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. He also appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against what he described as a barbaric and shameful act.
Efforts are still on to obtain an official response from the Benin Palace.
