A renowned broadcaster and media entrepreneur, Dr. Osaro Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, popularly known as "Don Pedro," has slammed a ₦500million fundamental rights enforcement suit against 11 individuals and federal agencies.
The suit followed a harrowing incident where he was allegedly abducted, stripped naked, and paraded through the streets of Benin City.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/B/CS/20/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Benin by the law firm of foremost human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN.
The legal action targets prominent Benin figures, including Osazee “Kabaka” Adun and Osamede “Nomoless” Eriyo, alongside the State Security Service (SSS/DSS) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
According to court processes obtained by SaharaReporters, on Thursday, the incident occurred on December 28, 2025. Dr. Obaseki alleged that while he was engaged in a recreational activity, he was violently seized by armed men who claimed to be acting on instructions from the Oba’s Palace — a claim the Benin Traditional Council has since denied.
The applicant alleged that his captors physically assaulted him, stripped him down to his underpants, and forced him on a "shame parade" through major streets of the Edo State capital.
“Our client alleges that he was violently abducted... physically assaulted, stripped naked, threatened with death, publicly paraded through major streets, and detained for several hours without lawful justification,” a statement from Falana & Falana’s Chambers revealed.
The ordeal was reportedly recorded and circulated globally on social media, which Obaseki contends has caused "profound psychological trauma and reputational damage."
Dr. Obaseki is seeking several judicial declarations, including that the acts of the respondents violated Sections 33, 34, 35, and 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and privacy.
The reliefs sought include "₦500,000,000.00 in general and exemplary damages for physical and emotional distress.
"An order compelling the DSS and AGF to investigate and prosecute the individuals involved.
"A formal public apology to be published in at least two national newspapers.
"An injunction restraining further harassment or intimidation of the applicant."
Obaseki maintained that his pursuit of the case is driven by the need for institutional accountability rather than vengeance.
He accepted the Benin Traditional Council’s clarification that the Palace was not involved in the assault, but insisted that those who used the Oba's name to perpetrate violence must face the law.
“This case aims not only at personal redress but at affirming that no citizen should be subjected to unlawful violence or public degradation under a constitutional democracy,” Falana's chambers stated.
The legal team also confirmed that a separate criminal process has been initiated through appropriate channels to ensure the perpetrators face prosecution.
A hearing date for the suit is expected to be fixed soon by the Federal High Court in Benin.
Post a Comment