The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of 24-year-old upcoming artist, Paul Obukohwo.
The directive was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who urged the deceased’s family to visit the police headquarters to initiate the probe.
Obukohwo was said to have been tortured to death while in the custody of operatives of the Rapid Response Squad.
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 3:45 p.m. 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.
The statement added, “The deceased who obstructed the police from arresting his brother and damaged the patrol vehicle in the process, was later arrested.
“While Paul Obukohwo was in custody, he fell sick and was taken to Police Hospital Asaba where he was diagnosed with hypoglycaemia (low sugar).
“Due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and later referred to Federal Medical Centre Asaba, where he died while receiving treatment.”
According to Edafe, the command was not oblivious to the fact that there were complaints emanating from social media and the brother of the deceased alleging that the police tortured him while he was in custody.
