NANTAP Condemns Abduction and Public Humiliation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki
By Jerry Adesewo
The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has condemned what it described as the alleged abduction, assault and public humiliation of Don Pedro Obaseki, following an account released by Obaseki detailing events he said occurred in Benin City on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
In a statement signed by its National President, Adeniran Makinde, fta, NANTAP described the incident as disgraceful and inhuman, calling for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of all those found to be responsible.
According to a statement personally issued by Obaseki, the incident occurred between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. while he was playing football at Uwa Primary School, Igbesanmwan Street, Benin City. He alleged that he was suddenly attacked by a group of men, some of whom were armed, who forcibly abducted him.
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Obaseki said his attackers claimed they had been sent from the Oba’s Palace and accused him of offending the Palace over a speech he delivered to Edo people in London. He stated that the attackers alleged the Palace was angered by his use of the phrase “Edo gha to kpere” (“Long live the Edo people”) instead of “Oba gha to kpere” (“Long live the Oba of Benin”) at the close of the speech. He further alleged that his abductors threatened continued attacks on members of the Obaseki family.
In his account, Obaseki said he was beaten, dragged along the streets and stripped completely naked. He alleged that he was publicly paraded in his nakedness along Igbesanmwan Road, taken to the front of Holy Aruosa Church, and further dragged through Ring Road before being taken into the Oba’s Palace. He estimated that the public assault and humiliation covered a distance of about five kilometres.
Obaseki further alleged that within the Palace premises, he was slapped, beaten, gagged and forced to kneel while naked. He claimed that he pleaded for his life and dignity as the Oba drove past him within the Palace compound. He was thereafter allegedly forced into a Hilux vehicle and taken to the Oba Market Police Station.
He said he was detained at the police station for about five hours and that the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the station on three occasions, informing him that his release was pending clearance from the Oba. Obaseki stated that he was eventually released at about 5:15 p.m.
Reacting to the account, NANTAP said the allegations, if established, represent a gross violation of human dignity and the rule of law. The association stressed that no Nigerian citizen should be subjected to public humiliation, physical abuse or degrading treatment under any circumstances.
“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, and the rule of law must be adhered to always and in all circumstances,” NANTAP said, warning against the normalisation of intimidation, humiliation and impunity.
The association demanded an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation by relevant authorities, the identification and prosecution of all persons involved, and public accountability from any institutions or agencies found to be complicit.
NANTAP also expressed solidarity with Obaseki, his family and colleagues, and called on government, civil society and the creative community to speak out against what it described as an affront to human dignity and democratic values.
NANTAP Condemns Abduction and Public Humiliation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki