Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has issued a forceful condemnation of the mob abduction and public humiliation of prominent Nigerian filmmaker Pedro Obaseki in Benin City, calling the act "barbaric and unlawful."
The incident occurred on Sunday when Obaseki was reportedly attacked, stripped naked, and dragged through the streets by armed thugs after he visited Uwa Primary School to play football. A viral video of the ordeal shows the filmmaker being paraded while armed individuals chant, forcing him to beg for his life.
A Chilling Disregard for Dignity and Law
In its statement, Amnesty International decried the "chilling disregard for human dignity" and the complete absence of due process. The organization specifically criticized the mob's actions, which culminated in Obaseki being taken to the palace of the Oba of Benin. Amnesty urged the palace to "distance itself from such bizarre impunity" and what it described as an "antediluvian" display.
"What happened to Mr. Obaseki is unlawful and shows complete disdain for due process," the statement read. The rights group emphasized that such acts of mob violence are unacceptable in a free society and constitute a clear violation of international human rights laws designed to protect individuals from violence and uphold human dignity.
A Call for Immediate Police Action
Amnesty International has called on the Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident. The organization demanded that all individuals suspected of involvement in the planning and execution of the attack be identified and "brought to justice."
The public assault on a well-known cultural figure has sparked outrage and raised urgent questions about mob justice, the rule of law, and the protection of citizens' rights in Nigeria.
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