Young Nigerian Rights Organisation (YNRO) and the Delta State Police command have been trading words over the death of 24-year-old upcoming artist, Paul Obukohwo.
While the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death, vowing to punish any police officer found culpable, the director-general, YNRO, Victor Ojei, said Obukowho was subjected to physical abuse in detention which eventually led to his died.
The 24-year-old up-and-coming music artiste, Paul Obukowho reportedly died in police custody after being arrested by officers of the Rapid Response Squad of the state police command on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, he was allegedly tortured to death.
“On the morning of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Master Prosper Ejiro (19) and Ejiro Obukowho (22), both laundry workers, were on their way to work when they were stopped by officers of the RRS.
“The officers detained Prosper Ejiro for wearing military camouflage shorts and subsequently demanded to be taken to his residence. Ejiro Obukowho followed them on foot, as he was not allowed to enter the police vehicle.
“Upon arrival at their residence, the officers conducted a search but found nothing incriminating. Despite this, they detained Ejiro. Later that evening, at around 5pm, Paul and Ejiro visited the police station to facilitate Prosper’s release.
“However, upon arrival, Paul was also detained. Reports indicate that he was slapped, stomped on, and handcuffed simply for advocating for his brother’s release. His younger brother, Ejiro, was threatened and forced to leave the premises.”
According to Ojei, the policemen accused Paul of hitting their car when they arrived at his home the previous day.
“Paul and Prosper were summoned by an officer identified as Shepherd, who informed them that Paul would be detained for five days. Paul was then subjected to further brutality. Three officers handcuffed him, beat him with wood on his knees, and used pepper spray on him,” he added.
Ojei said the deceased was taken to several hospitals and eventually passed away at about 4am on Saturday.
However, the police said the deceased was not tortured, adding that he was suffering from low blood sugar.
Abaniwonda who vowed action in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, urged the deceased’s family to visit the police headquarters to initiate the probe.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Abaniwonda assured them that officers found culpable after the probe would face the full weight of the law.
According to the police statement, the incident occurred on March 26, 2025, at about 3:45pm when RRS operatives raided a known black spot along Okpanam Road.
During the operation, they arrested a suspect, Prosper Odili, 24, who was allegedly wearing military camouflage, while others fled the scene.
