The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of 24-year-old upcoming artist, Paul Obukohwo, who allegedly died after being tortured in police custody.
The directive was announced on Sunday in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who urged the deceased’s family to visit the state police headquarters to initiate the probe.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Abaniwonda assured them that any officer found culpable after the investigation would face the full weight of the law.
According to the police statement, the incident occurred on March 26, 2025, at about 3:45 p.m. during a raid by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on a known black spot along Okpanam Road.
During the operation, officers arrested a suspect, Prosper Odili, 24, who was allegedly wearing military camouflage, while others fled the scene. The statement noted that Obukohwo tried to prevent the arrest of his brother and damaged a police patrol vehicle in the process before he was apprehended.
“The deceased, who obstructed the police from arresting his brother and damaged the patrol vehicle in the process, was later arrested,” the statement read.
While in custody, Obukohwo reportedly fell ill and was taken to the Police Hospital in Asaba, where he was diagnosed with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and later to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where he died while receiving treatment.
Edafe acknowledged the concerns raised on social media and by the deceased’s brother, who alleged that Obukohwo was tortured in custody.
He assured the public that the investigation would be transparent, with justice served if any wrongdoing was established.
