A prominent film maker, Dr. Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, is seeking justice in the court following his recent public abduction, violent assault and extra-judicial humiliation in Benin City, Edo State.
Dr. Obaseki explained that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with his wife and children, members of the Obaseki family and clan, senior legal advisers and respected elders.
He emphasized that the move was driven, not by revenge or political motives, but by the need for accountability, deterrence and the protection of human dignity.
Dr. Obaseki, in a statement on Sunday, said he was forcibly seized in public by armed men in a brazen daylight operation that he said was designed to instil fear in the wider population.
He was reportedly beaten, stripped naked, threatened with death and paraded along major roads in Benin City while his ordeal was recorded and live-streamed by his attackers.
He was later detained for several hours without any disclosed allegation or lawful charge, despite sustaining injuries.
He described the incident as a grave violation of his fundamental rights and said the acts amounted to terrorism-related violence under Nigerian law, citing the use of armed force, explicit threats to life, public intimidation and the deliberate creation of fear beyond the immediate victim.
According to him, during the incident, his abductors claimed they were acting on the instructions of the Oba of Benin or the Oba’s Palace.
He confirmed that this claim has been formally and expressly refuted by the Benin Traditional Council, which issued a widely publicised letter categorically denying any involvement, authorisation or prior knowledge of the acts.
Dr. Obaseki said he welcomed and accepted the clarification as the official position of the Palace and noted it as part of the public record.
He emphasised that the legal actions now underway are directed strictly at the individual perpetrators and any persons who may be found, through due process, to have aided, facilitated or enabled the offences, whether through direct action, impersonation of authority, abuse of office or omission.
Dr. Obaseki said he has held consultations with renowned human-rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, as lead counsel.
He hinted both civil and criminal proceedings would be pursued concurrently, in line with Nigerian and international law and with full respect for the presumption of innocence.
Dr. Obaseki also confirmed that he has formally notified and is engaging international human-rights bodies and partners.
He said the step was aimed at ensuring independent oversight, transparency and proper monitoring of investigations and judicial processes, in line with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international commitments.
He stated that his action was not only to restore his personal dignity and protect his family, but also to send a clear message that no individual or group has the right to abduct, brutalise or publicly dehumanise any citizen outside the law.
He added that, out of respect for ongoing investigations and court proceedings, he would make no further factual or evidentiary comments at this stage.
