The Ibadan Film Circle (IFC) has condemned the assault and public humiliation of filmmaker Don Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City, Edo State.
In a statement on Monday, IFC Coordinator Túndé Oláoyè said the group was “appalled and deeply disturbed” by the “brutal assault and public humiliation” of Obaseki.
The group called the act “a gross violation of Dr. Obaseki’s fundamental human rights and an affront to the dignity of the entire film community.”
“We condemn this barbaric act in its entirety and demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice. The actions of these individuals do not represent the values of the Benin people or the principles of justice and fairness that Nigeria holds dear,” the statement added.
Obaseki was attacked on December 28 while playing football at Uwa Primary School field. Reports say men accused him of disrespecting the Oba of Benin, forced him into a vehicle, beat him, and took him through parts of the city. Video footage showed him being stripped and publicly humiliated.
Obaseki described the incident as traumatic and said some attackers claimed they were acting on orders from the palace. He also explained that his alleged offence was a comment made during an event in London. He was later taken to Oba Market Police Station and released after the Edo State Commissioner of Police visited him.
IFC called on the Edo State Government and law enforcement agencies to investigate thoroughly. “We stand in solidarity with Dr. Obaseki and his family,” the statement said.
The assault has drawn condemnation from Amnesty International Nigeria and the Peoples Democratic Party, who called for justice. Edo State Government has denied any involvement in the attack.
