Young Nigerian artist reportedly dies in police custody

A 24-year-old emerging musician, Paul Obukowho, has reportedly died after being detained and allegedly tortured by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) under the Delta State Police Command in Asaba.

According to a report by SaharaReporters, police sources disclosed that the incident began on Wednesday when operatives of the RRS randomly arrested a 19-year-old named Prosper Odili along Redeemed Road, Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Area at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Following his arrest, Odili was taken to his residence, where officers conducted a search before transferring him to a detention cell at the police headquarters in Asaba.

A source familiar with the case stated, “Prosper Odili was actually walking in company of a friend on Wednesday morning around 8 a.m. when men of the RRS, former SARS from police headquarters in Asaba, along the Redeemed road, Okpanam accosted and arrested them unjustly without committing any crime. The police then took the two men back to their houses for a search and after the search, nothing incriminating was found and at that point the police released one of the boys and took Prosper away and put him in the cell at the police headquarters.”

Later that day, at around 5:00 p.m., Obukowho reportedly went to the RRS office to inquire about his friend’s arrest and seek his release. However, he was allegedly detained upon arrival.

“But shockingly, as Paul got there, he was detained, handcuffed on both hands and legs and was thrown into the cell with severe torture. On Thursday night, Paul collapsed in the cell and was rushed to the police clinic, resulting from the wounds from the torture, the clinic could not handle his situation, he was referred to Specialist Hospital Asaba.”

The source further revealed that Obukowho was later transferred to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Asaba, where he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Saturday at about 4:00 a.m.

“Finally, he was referred to the Federal Medical Center, FMC Asaba, but, unfortunately for Paul, he couldn’t survive the pains and wounds from the police torture in the cell, he died. Paul died in the early hours of Saturday, at about 4:00 a.m. at the FMC, Asaba. And immediately, Paul died the men of the RRS who brought him to the hospital took to their heels and ran away from the hospital premises.”

As of the time of this report, Obukowho’s body remained at FMC Asaba, with his grieving family and friends demanding justice.

Attempts to reach Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for comments were unsuccessful.