Delta Police Command Refutes Torture Claims Over Death Of Paul Obukohwo
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that operatives of its Rapid Response Squad (RRS) tortured one Mr. Paul Obukohwo to death while in custody.
The command clarified that the deceased fell ill while in detention and was promptly taken to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) before passing away while receiving treatment.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the incident occurred on March 26, 2025, at approximately 15:45 hours when operatives of the RRS raided a known black spot along Okpanam Road. During the operation, one Prosper Odili, 24, was arrested wearing military camouflage, while others fled. The deceased, Paul Obukohwo, allegedly obstructed the arrest of his brother and vandalized a police patrol vehicle before being taken into custody.
The command stated that while in detention, Obukohwo developed a medical condition and was immediately taken to the Police Hospital in Asaba, where he was diagnosed with hypoglycemia. Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and subsequently referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where he died despite medical efforts.
Amid allegations from the deceased’s family and widespread claims of police brutality on social media, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead the probe. The command has invited members of the deceased’s family to cooperate with investigators to ensure transparency.
While extending his condolences to the bereaved family, CP Abaniwonda assured the public that the investigation would be impartial and that any officer found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
