The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has taken decisive action in response to the tragic death of 24-year-old aspiring musician, Paul Obukohwo.
He has mandated a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young artist’s demise.
This directive was formally communicated on Sunday through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe. In the statement, Edafe extended an invitation to the bereaved family of Paul Obukohwo, urging them to visit the police headquarters in order to initiate the formal inquiry process.
The allegations surrounding Obukohwo’s death are deeply concerning, with reports suggesting that he endured torture while in the custody of operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). These serious claims have prompted the Commissioner of Police to seek a thorough and transparent examination of the events.
Commissioner Abaniwonda conveyed his sincere condolences to the grieving family, expressing his profound sympathy for their loss. He also provided a firm assurance that any officers found to be culpable of wrongdoing during the investigation would be held accountable and face the full force of the law.
The police statement provided a timeline of the incident, indicating that it occurred on March 26, 2025, at approximately 3:45 p.m. RRS operatives conducted a raid on a known criminal hotspot located along Okpanam Road.
During this operation, a suspect named Prosper Odili, also 24 years old, was apprehended for allegedly wearing military camouflage. Other individuals present at the scene reportedly fled.
The police statement further detailed that Paul Obukohwo, the deceased, intervened by obstructing the police from arresting his brother and allegedly damaged the patrol vehicle during the confrontation. Consequently, he was also taken into custody.
While in custody, Paul Obukohwo fell ill and was promptly taken to the Police Hospital in Asaba. Medical professionals diagnosed him with hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar. Due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and later to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, where he tragically passed away while receiving treatment.
SP Bright Edafe acknowledged the widespread concerns circulating on social media and the allegations made by the deceased’s brother, who asserted that police brutality contributed to Obukohwo’s death while in custody. The command is aware of these allegations and has promised a thorough investigation.
