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Amnesty International Nigeria has called on authorities to investigate the public flogging of a young man in Delta State for questioning community leaders about an abandoned infrastructure project, describing the attack as a violation of freedom of expression.
A video circulating on social media shows local community members holding Godspower Okedi to the ground and flogging him with whips and a piece of wood in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area, according to the rights group.
The incident occurred after Okedi posted criticism on Facebook about abandoned road projects facilitated by a community member.
“The victim was punished unlawfully for demanding accountability; by asking why an infrastructure project meant to develop his community was abandoned,” Amnesty said in a statement on Thursday.
“Delta State is littered with abandoned projects.”
Emevor community Chairman oversees flogging, public humiliation of indigene over Facebook post on abandoned NDDC Road. pic.twitter.com/I5zr5t8LdT
— Ozoro Blog (@Ozoroblog) July 9, 2026
The rights group described the violence as a human rights violation and a direct attack on freedom of expression, adding that it showed “increasing tyranny at the states level, with governors enabling atrocities shamelessly”.
Amnesty said Okedi had been punished simply for exercising his right to question those in power.
“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 called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the attack, noting that 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,” the group said.
Amnesty International Nigeria strongly condemns the horrifying public flogging of Godspower Okedi in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State @DSGovernment, simply for openly criticising and questioning those in power about an abandoned project.… pic.twitter.com/OlItWNr19Z
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) July 9, 2026
