Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged public flogging of Godspower Okedi in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, describing the incident as a shocking assault on human rights and freedom of expression.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the rights organisation alleged that Okedi was violently attacked after openly questioning those in authority over an abandoned infrastructure project in his community, calling on the Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
According to Amnesty International, a verified video circulating on social media shows the victim being forcefully pinned to the ground by community members before he was repeatedly whipped with canes and pieces of wood and trampled upon.
The organisation said the alleged assault was carried out solely because Okedi demanded accountability over a project meant to improve his community.
“A verified video circulating on social media shows local community members holding Godspower Okedi violently to the ground and flogging him with whips and piece of wood, and trampling on him with the aim of inflicting maximum physical harm. The victim was punished unlawfully for demanding accountability; by asking why an infrastructure project meant to develop his community was abandoned. Delta State is littered with abandoned projects,” Amnesty International stated.
The rights group described the incident as a direct attack on the constitutional right to free expression, warning that citizens should never be subjected to violence for questioning government actions or demanding accountability.
“This act of violence is a violation of human rights and a direct attack on freedom of expression. It also shows increasing tyranny at the states level, with governors enabling atrocities shamelessly. Any person has right to complain about poor infrastructure, ask questions about public funds, and demand better governance without fear of physical violence, torture, intimidation or humiliation,” the organisation said.
Amnesty further expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of human rights abuses in Delta State, alleging that local leaders and individuals aligned with those in power were increasingly using intimidation and violence to silence critics and whistleblowers.
“The trend of human rights atrocities in Delta State are disturbing, as local leaders and state-aligned figures are using abuse of power to shrink civic space and shut down critics and whistleblowers. When local authorities resort to violence to cover up failed or abandoned projects, they encourage corruption and undermine the rule of law,” it added.
Calling for urgent intervention, Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that those behind the alleged attack are identified and prosecuted.
“Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this horrific attack on freedom of expression by minions of people in power.”
The organisation also reminded the authorities of their constitutional obligation to protect citizens’ rights.
“Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression and protects citizens from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The authorities must act swiftly to uphold these rights and prove that nobody, no matter their position, is above the law,” Amnesty International stated.
