Amnesty International has criticised the Nigeria Police Force for failing to arrest those responsible for the abduction and public assault of Nigerian filmmaker and academic, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City, Edo State.

In a statement posted on X, the global human rights organisation described the incident as “barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of human rights,” expressing concern that no arrests or investigations had been initiated despite the public nature of the attack.

Amnesty said the assault, in which Obaseki was forcibly dragged to the palace of the Oba of Benin by alleged thugs, demonstrated a troubling disregard for the rule of law and due process. The group warned that continued inaction by law enforcement reflects a shrinking civic space and growing repression in Edo State.

“The Nigeria Police is yet to make arrests or begin an investigation into the assault on Pedro Obaseki in a stunning show of impunity,” Amnesty stated, calling on authorities to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.

The organisation also urged the palace of the Oba of Benin to clearly distance itself from the incident, stressing that traditional institutions must not be associated with acts that undermine human dignity and legal norms.

The rights group emphasised that the treatment meted out to Obaseki violated basic principles of due process and constituted a serious abuse of his fundamental rights.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Obaseki was seized by individuals claiming to act on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council, accused of being an “Oghionoba”—a term described as an enemy of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

According to reports, Obaseki was abducted while playing football at a primary school in Benin City, assaulted, stripped to his underwear, and paraded through several streets before being taken into the palace premises. A viral video of the incident showed him being forced to kneel and move on his knees within the palace grounds.

In an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Obaseki said his assailants were armed and failed to provide any identification when he demanded to know who authorised his seizure. He described the incident as a kidnapping carried out in broad daylight.

Sources said the attack followed Obaseki’s recent participation in a London event held in honour of his cousin, former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who had also been labelled an “Oghionoba” by critics.

Amnesty International reiterated its call for an immediate, impartial investigation and accountability for all individuals involved, warning that failure to act would further erode public trust in law enforcement and democratic institutions.