By Austin Ogwuda
…. forwards alleged names of thugs involved in a petition to DSS
… Oba of Benin denies involvement
Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki’s cousin, Pedro has sent a petition to the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate his abduction and subsequent stripping by a group of armed thugs in Benin City.
He identified four leaders of the group (names withheld by The Townhall) allegedly involved in the act, saying that during the incident, they claimed they were acting on the instructions of the Oba of Benin’s Palace.
In his petition, Mr Obaseki stated that he was beaten, stripped naked and publicly humiliated as he was dragged across major roads in Benin City, including areas around Holy Arousa Church. He said he was paraded publicly for a distance of about five kilometres before being forcibly taken to the Oba’s Palace, where the assault and humiliation continued.
He further noted that he was later taken to the Oba Market Police Station, where he was detained for about five hours.
According to him, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, informed him that his release was allegedly subject to clearance from the Oba.
He said he was eventually released later that same day and urged the DSS to investigate the matter, identify all those involved and take appropriate action in line with the law.
I didn’t send any thug after Pedro – Oba
The palace of the Oba of Benin, has at last reacted, distancing itself from such ugly incident.
Meanwhile, The Benin Traditional Council has dissociated the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, from the assault on Mr Pedro Obaseki, saying the monarch neither authorised nor condoned the incident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (New Year Eve, signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, the Council described the attack on Mr Obaseki as unfortunate and contrary to the character and values of the Benin throne.
Full text of the statement is found below.
*Credit: Premium Times
