The Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) has strongly condemned the brutal public flogging and assault of Mr. Godspower Okedi in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, describing the incident as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and an affront to Nigeria's constitutional democracy.

The rights organisation, in a statement issued after reviewing a video of the incident shared on its official social media platforms, called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Delta State Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute the Emevor Community Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okeremu, and every individual involved in the attack.

According to HURPA, no individual or community leadership has the legal authority to subject any citizen to torture, degrading treatment or unlawful punishment for expressing an opinion or demanding accountability over public projects.

"The disturbing video of Mr. Godspower Okedi being pinned to the ground, mercilessly flogged and publicly humiliated is barbaric, unlawful and unacceptable in a democratic society. This act amounts to torture, assault, unlawful detention and a flagrant abuse of the victim's constitutionally guaranteed rights," the statement read.

HURPA noted that the alleged offence committed by Okedi was questioning the abandonment of an infrastructure project and demanding accountability over public resources, actions which the organisation said are protected under the Nigerian Constitution.

The organisation cited **Section 34(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)**, which guarantees every person the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits torture, inhuman or degrading treatment. It also referenced **Section 39(1)**, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and impart information without intimidation or fear of violence.

HURPA further stated that the actions captured in the video also violate Nigeria's obligations under the **African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights**, which protects the dignity, liberty and security of every individual.

"The Constitution does not empower any community executive, youth leader or chairman to establish a parallel system of justice. Where anyone believes a citizen has committed an offence, the proper channel is to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency and allow due process to take its course. Mob punishment and public torture have no place in a society governed by the rule of law."

The organisation warned that failure to bring the perpetrators to justice would embolden others to resort to violence against citizens who exercise their constitutional rights to question governance and demand accountability.

HURPA therefore demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the community chairman and all persons seen participating in the assault, irrespective of their status within the community.

It also urged the Delta State Government, the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant institutions to ensure that justice is served and that adequate medical, psychological and legal support is provided to the victim.

"HURPA stands firmly with every Nigerian who peacefully speaks against corruption, abandoned projects and poor governance. Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express themselves without fear of torture, intimidation or public humiliation.

"We call on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. Every person seen in the assault video must be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done."

The organisation maintained that protecting freedom of expression and the dignity of citizens remains essential to preserving democracy, accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.