Nigerian Singer Dies in Police Custody, Allegedly Tortured by RRS Officers in Delta State

By Damilola Adeleke
A 24-year-old upcoming singer, Paul Obukowho, has reportedly died while in the custody of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Delta State Police Command in Asaba. Reports indicate that he was detained and subjected to severe torture before succumbing to his injuries.
How It Happened
According to SaharaReporters, a police source confirmed that Paul’s troubles began when his friend, Prosper Odili, was arrested by RRS operatives on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, along Redeemed Road, Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Prosper was later taken home for a search, but after no incriminating items were found, he was still detained at the police headquarters in Asaba.
Paul, unaware of the impending tragedy, visited the RRS office on the same day at about 5 PM to inquire about Prosper’s arrest and to explore possible ways to secure his release. However, instead of getting answers, he was detained, handcuffed on both hands and legs, and thrown into a police cell, where he allegedly endured brutal torture.
The Fatal Outcome
By Thursday night, Paul collapsed in the cell due to the severity of his injuries. The police rushed him to the police clinic, but when they realized his condition was beyond their capacity, he was transferred to the Specialist Hospital, Asaba, and later to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
Unfortunately, Paul passed away around 4 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Reports allege that immediately after his death, the RRS officers who brought him to the hospital fled the premises.
Calls for Justice
As of now, Paul’s body remains at FMC Asaba, with relatives and friends demanding justice for his untimely death. Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
This tragic event has reignited concerns over police brutality and human rights violations in Nigeria, with many calling for an immediate investigation into Paul’s death and accountability for those responsible.