By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Dr Osaro Pedro Obaseki, popularly known as Don Pedro, has instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court, Benin, Edo State, over an alleged case of abduction and public humiliation.
The lawsuit was instituted against 11 individuals, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The court processes filed by the law firm of human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, and signed by Femi Falana, SAN, Funmi Falana, SAN, and Taiwo E. Olawanle, noted that the incident occurred on December 28, 2025.
Obaseki, a cousin to former Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, alleged that he was abducted by armed men when he engaged in recreational activity in Benin City and is asking the court for N500 million in general and exemplary damages.
The applicant claimed the 1st to 11th respondents, including Osazee “Kabaka” Adun and Osamede “Nomoless” Eriyo, physically assaulted him, stripped him naked in public and paraded him through major streets while recording the ordeal.
He alleged that the resulting videos were circulated globally, causing him profound psychological trauma and reputational damage.
Following the public assault, Obaseki stated that he was taken to a police station and detained for five hours without lawful justification, which he contended is a gross violation of his constitutional rights to liberty and dignity.
The suit named Osazee Kabaka Adun (alias Kapuepue), Osayande Obakhavbaye, Gege Izua Adun, Osamede Nomoless Eriyo, Julius Imafu, Uyigue Obazehowan, Osamiemwanfan Ojo (alias Sales Guy), Rambo Izua Adun, Uwaifo Orhue Ogiugo, Osaro Iyamu (alias Culture), Chris Osa Media, State Security Service (SSS/DSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as respondents in the fundamental rights action.
Obaseki argued that the DSS and AGF failed in their statutory duties by neglecting to arrest or prosecute the alleged perpetrators despite clear video evidence of the assault.
He is also seeking several declarations from the court, including a declaration that his rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and privacy (Sections 33, 34, 35, and 37 of the 1999 Constitution) were breached, an order compelling the DSS and AGF to investigate and prosecute the 1st to 11th respondents, a requirement for the respondents to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers, and N500 million as damages for the physical and emotional distress suffered.
A statement through Falana & Falana’s Chambers, and signed by its Secretary, Tayo Soyemi, also noted that a separate criminal process has also been initiated.
