By Palang Paul
Amnesty International has condemned “barbaric and unlawful” the abduction and public degradation of renowned Nigerian filmmaker and academic, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City, Edo State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025, when Obaseki was reportedly seized by armed men while playing football at Uwa Primary School.
The assailants, whom Obaseki described as thugs, claimed to have been sent by the palace of the Oba of Benin but provided no identification.
In a widely circulated video, the filmmaker was stripped to his underwear, forced to kneel, and made to walk on his knees through the streets before being brought to the palace premises. He recounted being beaten and paraded through several public areas, an experience he described as traumatic and deeply degrading given his Benin heritage and cultural contributions.
After the palace incident, Obaseki was taken to a police station, where the Commissioner of Police intervened and secured his release.
In a statement issued on Monday, Amnesty International strongly criticized the attack and the reported involvement of a traditional institution.
“The palace of the Oba of Benin, where he was dragged to in utter disregard for human dignity and the rule of law, must distance itself from such bizarre impunity,” the organization stated.
The rights group called for a prompt investigation, stating, “The Nigerian police must investigate the incident and ensure that all those suspected of involvement in this crime are brought to justice.”
It emphasized that such acts violate international human rights standards and have no place in a democratic society.
Obaseki is a lecturer and a cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
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