Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the reported assault on Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, describing the incident as a grave threat to life carried out by a criminal gang.
Gossip News Now reports that Pedro Obaseki was allegedly attacked by youths suspected to be thugs while playing football at the Uwa Primary School field on Igbesamwan Street in Benin City, Edo State.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Falana described the incident as a clear criminal offence, stating that Obaseki was forcefully abducted, stripped, and severely assaulted by a heavily armed group.
Falana further expressed concern over the actions of law enforcement officers, noting that after Pedro was taken to a police station, those who brought him in were not asked to make statements. Despite this, Obaseki was reportedly detained, while none of the alleged attackers were arrested.
According to the senior advocate, the actions of the assailants amounted to serious violations of Obaseki’s fundamental human rights, including his rights to dignity, personal liberty, and life.
“The incident that occurred in Benin City is undoubtedly criminal in nature,” Falana said. “His right to life was clearly threatened by a criminal gang that attacked him while he was playing football in the middle of Benin City.
“Pedro was abducted, stripped naked, and brutally assaulted by a well-armed gang. In fact, to disperse people who gathered at the football field, the attackers fired shots into the air.
“We intend to establish whether they are legally licensed to carry firearms. But what is evident is that this was an attempt on the life of Dr Pedro Obaseki.
“As though that was not enough, he was stripped naked and paraded publicly, further violating his rights to dignity and personal liberty,” Falana added.
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