A young Nigerian singer, Paul Obukowho, has reportedly died while in police custody in Delta State.
According to Naija News, the 24-year-old was detained and allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) under the Delta State Police Command in Asaba.
SaharaReporters quoted a police source who confirmed the incident. The source explained that Paul’s friend, Prosper Odili, was randomly arrested by RRS officers on Wednesday around 8:00 a.m. along Redeemed Road, Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
After his arrest, Prosper was taken to his home for a search. Finding nothing incriminating, the officers took him to a cell at the police headquarters in Asaba.
The source further revealed that Paul went to the RRS office later that day to inquire about Prosper’s arrest. However, instead of getting answers, he was detained, handcuffed on both hands and legs, and thrown into a cell, where he was subjected to severe torture.
“Prosper Odili was walking with a friend when RRS officers, formerly from SARS, stopped and arrested them without any reason. The police later searched their homes but found nothing illegal. One of the boys was released, but Prosper was taken to the cell at the police headquarters,” the source said.
“That same day, around 5:00 p.m., Paul went to the RRS office to ask why Prosper was arrested and to see if he could bail him out. But shockingly, instead of being given an explanation, he was detained, handcuffed, and brutally tortured in the cell.
“On Thursday night, Paul collapsed inside the cell due to the injuries from the torture. He was first taken to the police clinic, but his condition was too critical. He was then transferred to the Specialist Hospital in Asaba. Eventually, he was referred to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Asaba.
“Sadly, Paul did not survive. He succumbed to his injuries early Saturday morning around 4:00 a.m. at FMC, Asaba. Shockingly, as soon as he died, the RRS officers who brought him to the hospital fled the premises.”
At the time of this report, Paul’s body was still lying on the floor at FMC Asaba, with his relatives and friends demanding justice. Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, has yet to issue a statement.
