Don Pedro Obaseki Drags DSS, AGF, 11 Others to Court, Demands ₦500m Over Alleged Public Stripping and Assault

 

Renowned broadcaster, scholar, and media entrepreneur Dr Osaro Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, popularly known as Don Pedro, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court, Benin, seeking ₦500 million in general and exemplary damages.

The suit, with number FHC/B/CS/20/2026, names 11 individuals, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as respondents.01b748

According to court papers filed by the chambers of human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, the incident occurred on December 28, 2025. Dr Obaseki claimed he was violently abducted by armed men while playing football in Benin City. He alleged that the 1st to 11th respondents — including Osazee “Kabaka” Adun (alias Kapuepue), Osamede “Nomoless” Eriyo, and others such as Osayande Obakhavbaye, Gege Izua Adun, Julius Imafu, Uyigue Obazehowan, Osamiemwanfan Ojo (alias Sales Guy), Rambo Izua Adun, Uwaifo Orhue Ogiugo, Osaro Iyamu (alias Culture), and Chris Osa Media — physically assaulted him, stripped him naked in public, and paraded him through major streets in Benin City. The attackers allegedly recorded the ordeal, with videos circulating globally and causing him severe psychological trauma and reputational damage.

Following the public humiliation, Dr Obaseki stated he was taken to a police station and detained for five hours without any lawful justification, which he described as a gross violation of his fundamental rights.

The suit specifically accuses the DSS and AGF of failing in their statutory duties by not arresting or prosecuting the alleged perpetrators despite the availability of clear video evidence.

Dr Obaseki is praying the court for several reliefs, including:

A declaration that the respondents breached his constitutional rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and privacy under Sections 33, 34, 35, and 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

An order directing the DSS and AGF to immediately investigate and prosecute the 1st to 11th respondents.

An order compelling the respondents to publish a public apology in two national newspapers.

Payment of ₦500,000,000 in damages for the physical, emotional, and psychological distress suffered.

In a statement issued through Falana & Falana’s Chambers and signed by its Secretary, Tayo Soyemi, the legal team emphasised that a separate criminal process has also been initiated.

“Our client has chosen the path of law, constitutional process, and institutional accountability. This case aims not only at personal redress but at affirming that no citizen should be subjected to unlawful violence or public degradation under a constitutional democracy,” the statement read.

As of press time, the Federal High Court is yet to fix a hearing date for the suit.

The development comes months after the December 2025 incident drew widespread condemnation, with the DSS previously taking over the investigation and treating aspects of the case as terrorism-related. One suspect, Osaze Adùn (also known as Kapuepue), was earlier arraigned and granted bail by an Edo State High Court.

Dr Obaseki, through his counsel, maintains that the suit underscores the need for accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights against both private actors and state institutions.