Assault: Ex-AIT boss, Obaseki, narrates ordeal as Amnesty, PDP, others demand justice

By Henry Ojelu & Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY—Former Managing Director of African Independent Television, AIT, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, has narrated how he was allegedly assaulted, abducted and detained on Sunday, December 28, 2025, while playing football in Benin City, Edo State, vowing to pursue the matter through civil and criminal processes.

In a statement, Obaseki said the incident occurred between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Uwa Primary School, Igbesanmwan Street, where he was “suddenly attacked by a group of men,” some of whom he alleged were armed.

“They forcibly abducted and kidnapped me,” Obaseki said, adding that the attackers claimed they were acting on instructions from the Oba of Benin’s Palace.

According to him, the assailants told him the palace was displeased with a speech he delivered to Edo people in London, allegedly because he concluded the address with “Edo gha to kpere” (Long live the Edo people) instead of “Oba gha to kpere” (Long live the Oba of Benin).

“They repeatedly stated that they had been sent by the Oba’s Palace to seize me,” he said, alleging further threats against members of his family.

Obaseki claimed he was beaten and dragged through parts of Benin City, including Igbesanmwan Road, the front of Holy Aruosa Church and Ring Road, before being taken to the Oba’s Palace. He alleged that he was subjected to further assault within the Palace premises and compelled to kneel.

He said he was later conveyed in a Hilux vehicle to the Oba Market Police Station, where he was detained for about five hours. According to him, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the station on three occasions and informed him that his release would be subject to clearance from the Palace.

“Eventually, at about 5:15 p.m., I was released from custody,” he said, maintaining that his account was a true narration of events.

Speaking to Vanguard yesterday, Obaseki said he would pursue the matter to its “logical legal conclusion,” stressing that while he was opposed to violence, he would not relent until justice was served.

“I will file both civil and criminal charges. Everybody that beat me will pay. Those that accosted me and those that sent them, no matter how highly placed, will pay,” he said, adding that he did not want reprisals or destruction of property.

It’s violation of Obaseki’s fundamental human rights — PDP

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation. The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, described the attack as a violation of Obaseki’s fundamental human rights and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to book.

Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, in a statement, described the incident as “barbaric and unconscionable,” warning that failure to act decisively could embolden lawlessness.

“What transpired is not merely an assault on one individual; it is an assault on the rule of law itself,” Owie said, calling on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Amnesty Int’l condemns assault

Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the assault, describing it as “barbaric and unlawful,” and demanded a thorough police investigation. The organisation said the incident showed “complete disdain for due process” and violated international standards on human dignity and protection from violence.

“What happened in Benin City on Sunday is unacceptable in a free society,” Amnesty said, urging the police to ensure accountability for all involved.

APC reacts

Reacting, the acting State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Don Ofure Osehobo, accused the PDP of politicising the incident, insisting that the matter was under investigation and that the state government would not shield anyone found culpable.

“The APC condemns violence in all forms. The Pedro Obaseki incident is under investigation, without interference,” he said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident and had ordered a full investigation.

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