The National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Killings, Mob Actions and Impunity (NCAMKI) has condemned the alleged flogging, assault, public humiliation and degrading of Mr Godspower Okedi in Emevor Community of Isoko North Local Council of Delta State.

The coalition stated that disturbing videos on social media, supported by eyewitness accounts, showed Okedi being forced to lie face down while he was repeatedly whipped with canes, sticks and pieces of wood by individuals allegedly acting on the orders of community officials.

According to NCAMKI, Okedi was alleged to have questioned why a Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) road project was abandoned, and further demanded accountability for the public infrastructure meant to serve the community.

In a statement by Babatunde Agunbiade on behalf of the group, the coalition described the assault as a violation of human dignity, freedom of expression and a direct breach of Sections 34 and 39 of the Constitution.

“No citizen in a democratic society should be tortured, beaten, or subjected to mob punishment for demanding accountability over abandoned public projects,” the statement partly read.

“The era of feudal impunity, where citizens are whipped into silence for speaking truth to power, has no place in a constitutional democracy.”

Aligning with Amnesty International, the coalition described the incident as a grave violation of human rights and an attack on freedom of expression, adding: “The right to question the authority, criticise governance failures and demand accountability is a constitutional right belonging to every Nigerian.”

NCAMKI further called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in planning, ordering, carrying out or encouraging the assault. It also demanded a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation of the incident by the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities.

According to the coalition, no individual, regardless of status, traditional position, political influence or wealth, should be shielded from criminal liability.

The group also demanded immediate medical, psychological and legal support for Okedi, a public apology, restoration of his dignity and reputation, adequate compensation for the physical, emotional and reputational harm suffered, and institutional reforms to prevent future cases of community-sanctioned violence.

It warned that failure to hold those responsible accountable would encourage others across the country to use violence and intimidation to suppress dissent.

According to the group, “when criticism becomes a crime, tyranny has entered the room. When questioning abandoned projects attracts flogging, democracy itself is under attack. When community leaders become investigators, judges and executioners, the rule of law is in grave danger.”

Meanwhile, NCAMKI pledged to monitor the case from investigation through prosecution and final judicial determination as its duty not only to Okedi but also to every Nigerian who fears that speaking truth to power may attract violence instead of answers.