Delta CP Orders Investigation into Death of Upcoming Artist Allegedly Tortured in Police Custody
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the controversial death of a 24-year-old upcoming artist, Paul Obukohwo, who was allegedly tortured while in police custody.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who urged the deceased’s family to visit the Delta State Police Headquarters in Asaba to provide information that could aid the probe.
According to police sources, the tragic incident occurred on March 26, 2025, at approximately 3:45 p.m., when operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) conducted a raid on a known black spot along Okpanam Road, a location often associated with drug peddling and other criminal activities
Reports suggest that Paul Obukohwo, a promising singer and songwriter, was arrested alongside several others during the police raid. Eyewitnesses claim that Obukohwo was not involved in any illicit activity but was merely present at the location when the officers stormed the area. He was reportedly bundled into a police van and taken into custody.
Family members and close associates of the deceased allege that he was subjected to severe physical abuse during interrogation, which ultimately led to his untimely death. Some witnesses claim that he was denied access to medical care despite suffering from severe injuries.
“Paul was not a criminal. He was a young, talented musician with big dreams. He went out that day to meet a friend, but he never came back. The police need to explain how he died in their custody.”
His death has sparked outrage within the entertainment industry and among human rights groups, with many calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and alleged torture.
Following the news of his death, the hashtag #JusticeForPaulObukohwo has been trending across social media platforms, with activists, celebrities, and ordinary Nigerians demanding justice. Many are calling for stricter measures to hold law enforcement officers accountable for human rights violations and extrajudicial killings.
Prominent human rights lawyer Barrister Femi Adeyemi condemned the incident, describing it as another case of reckless policing and disregard for due process.
“We cannot continue to tolerate a system where innocent young Nigerians are brutalized and killed in police custody. The authorities must ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” he said.
Reacting to the growing outrage, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reassured the public that the police would conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the matter. He stressed that any officer found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
“We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. The Delta State Police Command is committed to upholding justice and ensuring that this case is properly investigated. If any officer is found guilty of misconduct, they will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he stated.
The Commissioner also urged the deceased’s family to cooperate with investigators, emphasizing that their input would be crucial in unraveling the events that led to his death.
Meanwhile, several civil society organizations, including the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), the Delta State Civil Rights Forum (DSCRF), and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), have called for an independent panel to oversee the investigation.
“We do not have confidence in an internal police investigation. A neutral body comprising human rights lawyers, forensic experts, and independent observers should be set up to ensure a fair and credible process,” said Comrade Kenneth Olorogun, a representative of the CDHR.
The death of Paul Obukohwo is the latest in a string of allegations of police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria. Despite promises of police reform, incidents of unlawful detentions, torture, and fatal encounters with security operatives continue to make headlines.
This case has reignited concerns over the failure of past police reform efforts, particularly after the nationwide #EndSARS protests in 2020, which led to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). However, critics argue that similar abuses persist under different units within the force.
As Nigerians await the outcome of the investigation into Obukohwo’s death, pressure is mounting on the Delta State Police Command to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice.
The deceased’s family, activists, and the public are closely monitoring the situation, with many warning that failure to deliver justice could lead to renewed protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
For now, all eyes remain on the authorities as they unravel the mystery behind Paul Obukohwo’s tragic demise.
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