photo credit: The guardian
A rising Nigerian singer, Paul Obukowho, has reportedly died while in police custody in Delta State, sparking outrage over alleged police brutality and human rights violations.
Obukowho, 24, was detained by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Delta State Police Command in Asaba after he visited the station to inquire about his friend, Prosper Ejiro, who had been arrested under controversial circumstances.
According to reports, Ejiro, a 19-year-old laundry worker, was apprehended along with another friend, Ejiro Obukowho, 22, while on their way to work on Wednesday morning. The police reportedly found no incriminating items on them but arrested Prosper over his black camouflage shorts, claiming only security personnel were allowed to wear them.
Despite finding nothing illegal during a search of Prosper’s residence, officers allegedly detained him without cause.
Later that day, Paul Obukowho and another friend visited the station to plead for Prosper’s release, but instead, Paul was also detained for allegedly hitting a police vehicle during their home search.
His family claims that from that moment, he was subjected to extreme physical abuse.
“Three officers handcuffed him, stomped on him, hit him with wood on his knees, and used pepper spray on him,” his brother Godspower Obukowho alleged.
Prosper, detained in a separate room, reportedly heard Paul’s screams for help as officers allegedly tortured him.
The following day, an officer known as “Shepherd” informed them that Paul would be detained for five days.
Extortion Claims and Deteriorating Health
A family source claimed the police initially demanded ₦1 million for bail, later negotiating it down to ₦100,000 to ₦50,000 each for Paul and Prosper.
However, by this time, Paul had become unresponsive—unable to speak, stand, or sit. A concerned junior officer reportedly gave him glucose, but he vomited immediately.
Realizing the severity of the situation, officers rushed him to multiple hospitals, but it was too late.
Timeline of Medical Transfers:
Police Clinic (B Division, Asaba) – Unable to manage the case.
Specialist Hospital, Asaba – Diagnosed with low blood sugar, but condition was beyond their capacity.
Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba – Placed on oxygen but died on Saturday at 4:00 a.m.
Outrage and Calls for Justice
The Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, led by Victor Ojei (Wong Box), condemned the incident as another case of unchecked police brutality.
“The officers responsible must face immediate suspension and prosecution. This tragedy highlights the ongoing abuse of power within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies,” Ojei stated.
He also called for:
1. A full-scale investigation into the RRS officers involved.
2. Compensation for Obukowho’s family.
3. A public inquiry into police extortion and misconduct in Delta State.
Police Deny Allegations, Cite Medical Condition
However, Delta State Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe refuted claims of torture, stating that Paul fell sick in custody and was given medical attention.
“He was arrested during a police raid at a notorious drug depot. The next morning, he fell sick and was rushed to the Police Clinic. He was later referred to FMC Asaba, where he died.”
Edafe added that Paul’s family was aware of his illness and had even thanked officers for assisting with medical expenses before his passing.
“Now that he has died, they are changing the narrative. But the autopsy will reveal the true cause of death,” he said.
With conflicting accounts from the police and family, the case has drawn national attention, with human rights groups demanding transparency, accountability, and justice for the late singer.
