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To
President Donald J. Trump
International Human Rights Activists
Freedom of the Press Organizations
Christian Persecution Monitoring Bodies
Diplomatic and Democratic Institutions
Subject: Petition Regarding the Abduction and Degrading Treatment of Nigerian Journalist Don Pedro Obaseki in Edo State, Nigeria
Dear Sir / Madam,
We write with urgency and deep concern regarding a shocking incident currently circulating globally on social media under the trending title:
“Nigeria Again – Attn Donald Trump: Thugs Abduct Christian Veteran Journalist and Movie Producer Don Pedro Obaseki.”
This petition states clearly and unequivocally that Mr. Don Pedro Obaseki, a Christian veteran journalist and movie producer in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, was abducted in broad daylight by a group of men reportedly acting in response to alleged insults made against the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II.
Video evidence widely shared online shows that Mr. Obaseki was:
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Forcefully abducted against his will
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Stripped naked in public
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Beaten and physically assaulted
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Marched through public spaces in a degrading and dehumanizing manner
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Taken forcibly to the Oba Palace in Benin City
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Subsequently taken to a police station
At no point in a constitutional democracy should an allegation of verbal insult—real or perceived—justify abduction, mob violence, public humiliation, or physical assault.
Grave Violations of Fundamental Rights
This incident constitutes clear violations of:
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Freedom of expression
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Freedom of the press
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Freedom of religion
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Human dignity and bodily integrity
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Due process and the rule of law
Disturbingly, despite the perpetrators being clearly visible and identifiable in circulating videos, the following authorities have, to date, remained silent or failed to take decisive public action:
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The Nigerian Police
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The Edo State Government
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The Federal Government of Nigeria
This silence has further emboldened public concern that justice is being denied or deliberately suppressed, particularly where powerful traditional, political, or social interests are involved.
Context of Growing Persecution
Mr. Obaseki is widely known as a Christian journalist, and this abduction occurs amid rising international concern over the persecution of Christians, journalists, and dissenting voices in Nigeria. Nigeria has repeatedly been highlighted in global discussions as a Country of Particular Concern, especially regarding religious freedom and press safety.
The failure of state institutions to act transparently in this case reinforces fears of systemic impunity, where influential individuals or groups operate above the law.
Our Demands and Appeal
We respectfully petition:
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President Donald J. Trump
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The Government of the United States
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International Human Rights Organizations
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Press Freedom and Religious Liberty Advocates Worldwide
to urgently:
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Call for an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the abduction and assault of Mr. Don Pedro Obaseki
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Demand full accountability for all individuals involved, regardless of status or influence
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Ensure the immediate safety, protection, and medical well-being of Mr. Obaseki
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Press the Nigerian government to publicly explain its actions or inaction
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Monitor Nigeria’s adherence to international human rights and press freedom obligations
A Warning to the International Community
If a journalist can be abducted, stripped, beaten, and paraded publicly for an alleged insult—while authorities remain mute—then no citizen is safe, and democracy itself is under threat.
Silence in the face of such abuse is not neutrality; it is complicity.
We urge the international community to speak, act, and intervene to ensure that justice, human dignity, and the rule of law prevail in Nigeria.
Respectfully submitted,
Concerned Citizen and Advocate for Human Rights
Nigeria