Paul Obukowho, a 24-year-old musician from Delta State, has died in police custody. He was arrested on March 26, 2025, by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the state police command. The musician’s death has sparked claims of torture, although the police deny the accusations.

Alleged Torture in Custody

Victor Ojei, Director-General of the Young Nigerian Rights Organization, claimed Obukowho was physically abused during detention. Ojei said the musician was severely beaten and tortured before he passed away on March 29, 2025. The police, however, argued that Obukowho’s death resulted from low blood sugar, not torture.

The Events Leading to the Arrest

The incident began when two laundry workers, Prosper Ejiro (19) and Ejiro Obukowho (22), were stopped by RRS officers on March 26. The officers detained Prosper for wearing military camouflage shorts and demanded to search his residence. Despite finding no incriminating evidence, the officers detained Ejiro. Later that evening, Paul and Ejiro went to the police station to secure Prosper’s release. Upon arrival, Paul was also detained.

Brutality in Police Custody

Ojei described the brutality Paul faced once in custody. According to Ojei, Paul was slapped, stomped on, and handcuffed simply for advocating for his brother’s release. His younger brother, Ejiro, was allegedly forced to leave the station under threat. Police claimed that Paul had hit their car the previous day. An officer named Shepherd allegedly told Paul he would be detained for five days.

The abuse reportedly escalated from there. Three officers allegedly beat Paul with a wooden stick, targeting his knees, and used pepper spray on him. Prosper, forced out of the room, could hear Paul’s screams of pain as the officers continued their assault. Paul’s condition worsened, leaving him unable to speak, stand, or sit. He also vomited the glucose given to him by a policeman.

Death and Police Response

Paul was reportedly taken to several hospitals for treatment. Unfortunately, he passed away at 4:00 AM on Saturday. In response to the claims, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, denied that Paul was tortured. Edafe stated that Obukowho suffered from low blood sugar, not physical abuse. The police took him to a clinic and later to a Specialist Hospital before his death.

Edafe added that if the family believes there was foul play, an autopsy could be conducted. The incident has drawn attention and outrage, as people demand justice for the musician’s death.