FOI Counsel, a public interest law and human rights advocacy organisation, strongly condemns the brutal assault, public stripping, and degrading treatment allegedly meted out to Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki in Benin City, Edo State.
The reported acts, including physical violence, forced nudity, and public humiliation, constitute grave violations of fundamental human rights, including the right to dignity of the human person, freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to personal liberty, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
The Nigeris state failed its citizen, of no mean repute, a prominent scholar celebrated for his sagacity and creative architecture.
From the point of abduction to the place of his anchor, there are not less than 50 policemen collecting salaries under the guise of securing the location.
In light of the seriousness of the abduction and the broader implications for civic safety, security, rule of law, and accountability, FOI Counsel hereby offers Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki free (pro bono) legal representation before appropriate international and regional human rights mechanisms, including but not limited to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and other competent international forums for sanction
FOI Counsel is particularly concerned that such acts against the best of us, if left uninvestigated and unpunished, may embolden impunity, undermine public confidence in state protection, and threaten the safety of citizens.
We therefore call on relevant law enforcement agencies to immediately conduct a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria must protect its citizens in line with its domestic and international human rights obligations.
FOI Counsel reaffirms its commitment to defending victims of human rights violations, promoting accountability, and ensuring access to justice. No society governed by law should tolerate mob justice, public humiliation, or violence under any guise.
President Aigbokhan, Esq
Lead Counsel
FOI Counsel
president@foicounsel.com
ww.foicounsel.com
+2348032683434
28/12/2025