Upcoming Nigerian singer, Paul Obukowho, has reportedly died while in police custody in Delta State.
The 24-year-old artist was allegedly detained and tortured to death by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) under the Delta State Police Command in Asaba.
According to SaharaReporters, a police source confirmed that the incident stemmed from the arrest of Obukowho’s friend, Prosper Odili, who was randomly picked up by RRS operatives on Wednesday morning around 8:00 a.m. along the Redeemed Road, Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Area. Prosper was later taken to his residence for a search before being transferred to the police headquarters in Asaba.
The source further revealed that Obukowho visited the RRS office to inquire about his friend’s arrest but was subsequently detained, handcuffed on both hands and legs, and subjected to severe torture inside the police cell.
“Prosper Odili was walking with a friend when RRS officers, formerly SARS, arrested them unjustly. The police later searched their houses and found nothing incriminating. One of the boys was released, but Prosper was taken to the police headquarters and locked up,” the source stated.
“At about 5:00 p.m. the same day, Paul Obukowho went to the RRS office to understand the reason behind his friend’s arrest and possibly secure his release. Shockingly, he was detained, handcuffed, and subjected to brutal torture inside the cell. By Thursday night, he collapsed due to the severity of his injuries and was rushed to the police clinic. Unable to handle his condition, he was referred to the Specialist Hospital in Asaba and later to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away in the early hours of Saturday at around 4:00 a.m.”
The source further alleged that immediately after Obukowho’s death, the RRS officers who had taken him to the hospital fled the premises to avoid accountability.
As of the time of filing this report, Obukowho’s body remains at the FMC Asaba, with relatives and friends demanding justice. Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
