Osaze Adùn bail granted by Edo High Court in Benin over alleged assault of journalist Don Pedro Obaseki. Court sets strict conditions

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

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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 and above and resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

The judge further ordered Osaze Adùn to appear in court on the last Friday of every month pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions.

The Osaze Adùn bail followed submissions by defence counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, who led a team including Collins Ogiegbaen and five others. The senior advocate argued that the alleged offence is bailable and urged the court to exercise its discretionary powers in line with the defendant’s fundamental rights.

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

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

The former Managing Director of DAAR Communications was reportedly beaten, intimidated and forcefully taken away in what eyewitnesses described as a commando-style operation.

The incident triggered widespread public outrage and condemnation.

Meanwhile, counsel to Dr Obaseki, Femi Falana (SAN), earlier disclosed that the secret police had taken over the investigation.

According to him, following escalation by his chambers, the DSS headquarters assumed conduct of the probe in recognition of the gravity and implications of the alleged acts.

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Falana described the decision to classify the matter as terrorism-related as commendable, stating that it underscored the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.