Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has alleged that Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of the immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, was abducted, stripped naked, and violently assaulted by an armed gang in Benin City.

Falana made the allegation on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, describing the incident as a criminal act and an attempt on Obaseki’s life.

He expressed concern over the conduct of the police, stating that after Pedro was taken to a police station, officers failed to obtain statements from those who brought him in. Instead, Pedro was reportedly detained, while none of the alleged attackers was arrested.

According to Falana, the incident occurred while Pedro was playing football in the heart of Benin City, when an armed group descended on him.

“The events that took place in Benin City are clearly criminal. His right to life was threatened by a gang that attacked him while he was playing football,” Falana said.

He added that the attackers, who were heavily armed, fired shots into the air to disperse onlookers at the football field before abducting Pedro.

“Pedro was abducted, stripped naked, and severely beaten by an armed gang. We are going to find out whether they were licensed to carry firearms, but clearly, this was an attempt on his life,” he stated.

Falana further condemned what he described as multiple violations of Pedro’s fundamental rights, noting that he was publicly paraded while unclothed.

“Beyond the physical assault, his rights to dignity and personal liberty were also violated,” he said.

Reports indicate that the attack occurred at the Uwa Primary School football field on Igbesamwan Street, Benin City, where Pedro Obaseki was allegedly assaulted by youths suspected to be thugs.