By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukeu, Asaba
DELTA: The sudden death of 24-year-old rising music artist, Paul Obukohwo, while in police custody has sparked widespread outrage, with human rights activists demanding a transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to his demise.
A non-governmental organization, Victims Right Protection Initiatives (VRPI), has called for an independent tripartite panel comprising the deceased’s family, the Delta State Police Command, and civil society groups to determine the truth. The group insists that only a fair and transparent inquiry can resolve the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Kingsley Ndukwe, VRPI condemned what it described as “glaring inconsistencies” in the police’s account of the tragedy and emphasized the need for accountability.
“To verify the conflicting claims in the public space and dispel suspicions of a cover-up, an independent tripartite panel is essential,” the statement read. “By involving all key stakeholders—the victim’s family, the police, and civil society representatives—we can ensure justice and accountability.”
The group also warned that speculation without a thorough investigation could heighten tensions and further traumatize the grieving family.
Meanwhile, another organization, the Warri Urban Security Network (WUSN), has urged the police to introduce compulsory health screenings for detainees upon arrival at police stations to prevent similar tragedies.
“The tragic death of Paul Obukohwo highlights the importance of health screenings for detainees. Many individuals in police custody may have underlying medical conditions unknown to the authorities, and proper medical checks could prevent such unfortunate incidents,” said Chief Frank Onoriode, Chairman of WUSN, in a joint statement with the group’s Secretary, Barrister Dafe Okpako.
The Delta State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, had earlier stated that Obukohwo exhibited signs of weakness in detention and was rushed to the Police Hospital in Asaba, where he was diagnosed with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The police said he was subsequently referred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and later to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where he passed away.
However, the deceased’s family has strongly refuted this claim, alleging that he was subjected to severe torture by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) before he collapsed. According to family sources, Obukohwo was reportedly handcuffed, beaten with wooden objects, and sustained internal injuries, which they believe led to his untimely death.
As public outrage grows, calls for an independent investigation are intensifying, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the young artist. Advocacy groups stress that accountability in such cases is crucial to restoring public trust in law enforcement and preventing further incidents of alleged police brutality.