BREAKING: EDO HIGH COURT GRANTS N5M BAIL TO MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING OBASEKI

 EDO HIGH COURT GRANTS N5M BAIL TO MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING OBASEKI


Benin City, Nigeria – February 13, 2026 – An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin on Friday granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million to Osaze Adùn, popularly known as “Kapuepue,” over allegations of assault, harassment, and brutalisation of journalist and media executive, Don Pedro Obaseki.

In a brief ruling, Justice R. A. Ogbevoen admitted the defendant to bail with one surety in like sum. The court held that the surety must be a civil servant on Grade Level 12 or above and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

The judge further directed the defendant to appear before the court on the last Friday of every month pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The bail was granted following submissions by defence counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi (SAN), who led a team of lawyers in urging the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendant. Counsel argued that the alleged offence is bailable under Nigerian law and emphasized the defendant’s constitutional right to liberty.

Earlier, counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS) had moved an ex parte application seeking an order to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending receipt of legal advice from the DPP.

The case stems from an incident reportedly recorded on December 28, 2025, at the Uwa Primary School football field in Benin City, where Dr. Obaseki was allegedly accosted while playing football.

According to accounts presented before the court, the media executive was allegedly beaten, intimidated, and forcefully taken away in what witnesses described as a coordinated operation. The incident generated public attention and reactions from civil society groups and media stakeholders.

Counsel to the journalist, Femi Falana (SAN), had earlier disclosed that the DSS headquarters assumed responsibility for the investigation following escalation by his legal chambers.

Falana stated that the matter was classified as terrorism-related, noting that authorities were treating the allegations with seriousness in view of their implications.

As of the time of filing this report, further prosecutorial advice from the DPP is being awaited to determine the next legal steps in the matter.

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