SSS takes over terrorism- related probe, abduction, attack of Don Pedro Obaseki

The State Security Services (SSS) has formally taken over the investigation into the alleged attack and abduction of veteran filmmaker, Don Pedro Obaseki, in Benin City, on 28 December 2025.

The incident drew public outrage after a viral video showing Obaseki being stripped, beaten and paraded through the streets before being taken to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

It is coming weeks after the politician announced that he would be suing the perpetrators of the act.

Obaseki, who revealed that he would engage the services of renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, as lead counsel, said both civil and criminal proceedings would be pursued concurrently, in line with Nigerian and international law.

Before that, Obaseki, a media executive, had petitioned the State Security Services (SSS) over the incident.

However, Obaseki has said that the latest actions to seek redress were solely in furtherance of justice, the rule of law, and public accountability, and not for sensationalism or political motive.

Mr Falana announced that the DSS would be treating the incident as terrorism-related.

In a statement, the lead counsel said that the SSS headquarters in Abuja has assumed conduct of the investigation in recognition of the nature, gravity, and implications of the acts complained of.

Describing the decision to classify the case as terrorism-related as commendable, Mr Falana said that the petitions allege terrorism-related conduct, conspiracy, assault, unlawful detention and obstruction of justice arising from the events of 28 December 2025.

He further stated that Obaseki has welcomed the development and has continued to fully cooperate with lawful investigative processes.

According to the Senior Advocate, Obaseki has had engagements with the SSS in Benin City under the authority of the State Director.

“Any concerns arising from those interactions, including issues of conduct, handling and procedural integrity, have been formally documented and are now part of the consolidated representations before the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Mr Falana also noted that the legal team has instituted civil proceedings before Nigerian courts, which he said are “intended to complement, not prejudice, ongoing investigations by security agencies,” while seeking judicial remedies and institutional accountability.

“Beyond Nigeria, petitions have been submitted to international and regional bodies, including the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the European Union human-rights mechanisms and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and arbitrary detention,” the statement reads.

The statement further noted that social media and digital platforms have been placed on notice over the circulation of footage linked to Obaseki’s alleged dehumanisation and abduction, to ensure “responsible platform conduct and cooperation with lawful accountability processes.”

In December 2025, a viral video showed Obaseki, a cousin to the immediate past Edo State governor, being stripped, beaten and paraded through the streets before being taken to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

He was accused of disrespecting the Oba of Benin during a meet-and-greet session in London.

However, the Benin Traditional Council distanced the Oba from the incident, insisting that the monarch neither authorised nor condoned the assault.

In a statement, the palace described the attack as unfortunate and inconsistent with the values of the Benin throne, stressing that Oba Ewuare II remains committed to peace and due process.

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SSS takes over terrorism- related probe, abduction, attack of Don Pedro Obaseki

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