Actor Says He Was Stripped, Beaten, Dragged to Oba of Benin’s Palace Over Alleged Disrespect
Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Don Pedro Obaseki, has alleged that he was kidnapped, brutally assaulted, stripped naked, and publicly humiliated by a group of men in Benin City, Edo State, sparking widespread outrage and calls for investigation.
Obaseki narrated that the incident occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025, while he was playing football at Uwa Primary School in Benin. According to him, armed men stormed the field, forcefully seized him, and accused him of disrespecting the Oba of Benin.
“I Was Treated Like an Animal” — Obaseki
Speaking during an interview, the actor said he was beaten, stripped naked, dragged through the streets, and later taken to the Oba of Benin’s palace, where he was allegedly forced to kneel and crawl in public view.
“I was kidnapped, stripped naked, beaten and humiliated without any lawful authority. I kept asking them to show me a warrant or identify themselves, but they couldn’t,” Obaseki said.
He claimed the attackers said they were acting on palace orders but failed to present any official identification.
Allegation Linked to London Statement
Obaseki explained that the attack was allegedly connected to a statement he made while in London, which some individuals interpreted as disrespectful to the traditional institution. He, however, denied any act of disrespect, insisting his comments were misunderstood.
Police Intervention and Release
The actor said police officers later intervened and took him to a police station, where the Edo State Commissioner of Police reportedly ordered his immediate release after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Public Outrage, Calls for Probe
The disturbing incident has triggered widespread condemnation across Nigeria, particularly among civil rights groups, entertainment industry stakeholders, and legal practitioners, who have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged assault and human rights abuse.
Videos circulating online show Obaseki being marched half-naked by a mob, a development many Nigerians have described as mob justice and a violation of fundamental human rights.
Edo Government Reacts
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has distanced itself from the incident, denying any involvement and stating that it does not condone unlawful actions or mob violence under any guise.
Growing Concerns Over Rule of Law
Analysts say the incident raises renewed concerns about mob justice, abuse of traditional authority, and the rule of law in Nigeria, stressing that disputes—cultural or otherwise—must be resolved through lawful means.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Benin traditional council regarding the allegations.
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