The entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of a 24-year-old upcoming singer, Paul Obukowho, who reportedly lost his life while in police custody in Delta State.

Reports indicate that Paul was subjected to severe torture by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) under the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, after he visited their office to inquire about the arrest of his friend, Prosper Odili.

According to Sahara Reporters, a police source confirmed that Prosper was apprehended by RRS officers on Wednesday morning along Redeemed Road, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area. Despite a search of his residence yielding no incriminating evidence, he was still detained at the state police headquarters.

Later that same day, Paul, concerned about his friend’s sudden arrest, went to the RRS office seeking clarification and possibly securing Prosper’s bail. However, what should have been a simple inquiry turned into a nightmare. Paul was also detained, handcuffed on both hands and legs, and reportedly subjected to extreme torture.

By Thursday night, Paul’s condition deteriorated as he collapsed inside the cell due to the injuries he sustained. He was immediately rushed to the police clinic, but his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the Specialist Hospital, Asaba. Eventually, he was referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, where he tragically passed away in the early hours of Saturday, around 4:00 AM.

Eyewitnesses claim that the RRS officers responsible for bringing Paul to the hospital fled the premises immediately after his death, raising further questions about the circumstances leading to his tragic demise.

A police source detailed the harrowing chain of events leading to Paul’s untimely passing. According to the source, Prosper Odili was initially arrested by RRS officers while walking with a friend on Wednesday morning at approximately 8:00 AM. Despite not committing any offense, the officers detained them, took them to their respective residences for searches, and found nothing incriminating. While one of the young men was released, Prosper was taken into custody.

Later that day, Paul Obukowho, seeking justice and clarity, went to the RRS office at the Delta State Police Command around 5:00 PM. Instead of getting answers, he was detained, brutally handcuffed, and allegedly subjected to relentless torture.

On Thursday night, the severity of his injuries became evident as he collapsed in the cell. The police rushed him to the police clinic, but his condition was critical. From there, he was referred to the Specialist Hospital, Asaba, and later to the FMC, Asaba, where he succumbed to his injuries.

As soon as Paul was pronounced dead at FMC Asaba, the RRS officers responsible for bringing him there reportedly fled the hospital premises, leaving behind unanswered questions and a devastated family.

Paul’s tragic demise has sparked outrage among his relatives, friends, and human rights activists, who are now demanding justice for the young musician. At the time of this report, his body remains at the FMC, Asaba, as his loved ones call for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

The tragic loss of Paul Obukowho has once again ignited conversations about police brutality and the need for urgent reforms within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies. As calls for justice intensify, the public eagerly awaits official statements from authorities and the measures they will take to ensure accountability.

This devastating incident has cast a shadow over the music industry, leaving many questioning how such brutality could be meted out to a young talent full of promise. For now, the demand for justice continues to grow louder, as Nigerians hope for answers and accountability in the wake of yet another heartbreaking case of alleged police misconduct.