Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, has described the violent assault on Dr Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of the immediate past Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, as a deliberate attempt on his life, raising fresh questions about public safety and police conduct in Benin City.
Falana, who spoke during a televised interview on Monday, said the incident was a clear case of criminality carried out with disturbing boldness. He stressed that the actions of the assailants went beyond intimidation, amounting to a direct threat to life and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
According to Falana, Dr Obaseki was forcefully abducted by a well-armed gang while playing football at a public field in the heart of Benin City. He was allegedly stripped naked, beaten severely and humiliated in full public view. To disperse residents who rushed to the scene, the attackers reportedly fired gunshots into the air, heightening fear and chaos.
Falana lamented what he described as glaring lapses after the victim was taken to a police station. He said the police neither took statements from those who brought Dr Obaseki in nor arrested any of the suspected attackers, a development he warned could undermine public confidence in law enforcement.
He further noted that the parade of the victim in a naked state constituted an additional violation of his right to dignity and personal liberty, insisting that the matter must not be treated lightly.
The assault reportedly occurred at a primary school football field on Igbesamwan Street, Benin City. The incident has since triggered public outrage, with rights groups and concerned citizens calling for a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible.
