An upcoming Nigerian singer, Paul Obukowho, has reportedly died while in police custody in Delta State, sparking outrage among his family and rights activists.
Obukowho, 24, was detained by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Delta State Police Command in Asaba after he visited their office to inquire about his friend, Prosper Ejiro, who had been arrested on Wednesday morning around Redeemed Road, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Council.
According to reports, police officers handcuffed Obukowho’s hands and legs before throwing him into a cell, where he was allegedly subjected to severe torture. On Thursday night, he collapsed and was rushed to a police clinic. When the clinic was unable to manage his condition, he was referred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and later to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), where he died in the early hours of Saturday.
A police source revealed that Ejiro had been randomly arrested. Witnesses say he was walking with a friend when RRS officers stopped them, searched them, and found nothing incriminating. However, Ejiro was detained for wearing black camouflage shorts, which police claimed only security personnel are permitted to wear.
Godspower Obokuwho, the deceased’s elder brother, narrated the ordeal:
“The police searched Prosper’s residence and found nothing incriminating. Still, they detained him. My brother Paul and Ejiro later visited the station to secure Prosper’s release, but Paul was also detained for allegedly hitting a police vehicle during the officers’ visit to their residence.”
According to Godspower, Paul was then subjected to brutal physical abuse. “Three officers handcuffed him, stomped on him, hit him with wood on his knees, and sprayed him with pepper spray. Prosper, who was outside the room, heard Paul’s screams as the officers continued their assault.”
The following morning, the officers reportedly told Paul he would be detained for five days. A family source, who requested anonymity, said officers initially demanded a N1 million bribe, later reducing it to N100,000.
“At this point, Paul had become completely unresponsive. He couldn’t speak, stand, or even sit. A junior officer tried to help by giving him glucose, but he vomited immediately. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the police finally decided to transfer him to the police clinic, then Asaba Specialist Hospital, and eventually FMC, where he died,” the source added.
The Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, led by activist Victor Ojei (Wong Box), condemned the incident, describing it as another case of police brutality, unlawful detention, and human rights violations.
“We demand a full-scale investigation into the actions of the RRS officers involved, the immediate suspension and prosecution of those responsible, and compensation for the family. The unchecked brutality within Nigeria’s law enforcement must end,” Ojei stated.
In response, Delta State Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe claimed that Obukowho was arrested during a raid on a drug depot and later fell ill in custody.
“When he fell sick the following morning, we took him to the police clinic, but they referred him to Asaba Specialist Hospital, where he was diagnosed with low blood sugar. He was then moved to FMC and placed on oxygen. The family was aware of his condition and even thanked the officer in charge for assisting with medical expenses,” Edafe said.
He warned against misinformation, stating that an autopsy would reveal the true cause of death.
Obukowho’s tragic demise has reignited concerns about police brutality and unlawful detentions in Nigeria, with growing calls for reform and accountability within the Delta State Police Command.
