POLICE LAUNCH INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF UPCOMING ARTIST IN DELTA.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 24-year-old upcoming music artist, Paul Obukohwo, who allegedly died while in police custody.
This directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who extended an invitation to the deceased’s family to visit the police headquarters to formally initiate the probe.
According to police accounts, the 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 in Asaba.
During the operation, the officers arrested Prosper Odili, 24, who was allegedly wearing military camouflage, while other suspects fled the scene. Police claim that Obukohwo, who attempted to prevent the arrest of his brother and allegedly damaged a patrol vehicle in the process, was subsequently taken into custody.
“While Paul Obukohwo was in custody, he fell sick and was taken to Police Hospital Asaba where he was diagnosed with hypoglycaemia (low sugar),” SP Edafe stated. “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.”
However, reports circulating on social media and allegations from the deceased’s brother contradict the official police narrative, claiming that Obukohwo was tortured while in custody, which may have led to his death.
Addressing these allegations, SP Edafe acknowledged that 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.”
Commissioner Abaniwonda has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that any officers found culpable after the investigation would face the full weight of the law.
The case has sparked concerns among civil rights groups in the state, with calls for transparency in the investigation process and accountability for any potential police misconduct.