Tragedy in Asaba: Young Singer Tortured to Death in Police Custody—When Will The Madness Stop

Tragedy in Asaba: Young Singer Tortured to Death in Police Custody—When Will the Madness Stop?

The Nigerian music industry has lost yet another young talent, but not to an illness or accident—24-year-old upcoming singer, Paul Obukowho, reportedly died after being brutally tortured in police custody. His crime? Simply asking about the wrongful arrest of his friend.

This shocking incident, which occurred at the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) unit of the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, is yet another grim reminder of the unchecked brutality within Nigeria’s security forces. And honestly, when will this madness stop?!


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From Inquiry to Tragedy: The Untold Story of Paul Obukowho

It all started on Wednesday morning when Prosper Odili was picked up by RRS operatives along Redeemed Road, Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA. Officers searched his house, found nothing incriminating, yet detained him anyway—because, why not?

That same evening, Paul, showing the kind of loyalty we all wish for in a friend, went to the police station to ask about Prosper’s arrest and possibly secure his bail. That was his mistake. Instead of getting answers, he was met with handcuffs, extreme torture, and eventual death.

Yes, you read that right.

The young singer was thrown into a cell, shackled on both hands and legs, and subjected to severe beatings. By Thursday night, he collapsed in the cell, his body unable to withstand the brutality disguised as law enforcement.

Rushed to the police clinic, then to Specialist Hospital Asaba, and finally to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Paul tragically lost his life at 4:00 am on Saturday.

And just when you think the story can’t get any worse—the officers who brought him to the hospital FLED the scene after he died. FLED! Like thieves in the night, as if their conscience finally caught up with them.


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Another Day, Another Extrajudicial Killing—When Will Nigeria Learn?

This isn’t the first, second, or even third time extrajudicial killings and police brutality have made the headlines in Nigeria.

We’ve seen cases where FIFA has stricter rules on handballs than Nigeria has on police misconduct. And just like before, we fear this case might disappear into thin air, buried under official denials, meaningless press statements, and, of course, silence.

But let’s be clear—Paul Obukowho didn’t die; he was murdered. By the very people meant to protect him.


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Justice Must Be Served—Or Are We Just Moving On Again?

As we speak, Paul’s lifeless body still lies at FMC Asaba, while his family, friends, and fellow Nigerians cry out for justice. Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, is yet to release an official statement.

Silence. That’s all we get when the people we pay to protect us turn into our worst nightmares.

Will this case be swept under the rug like so many before it? Or will Paul Obukowho’s death finally be the turning point?

One thing is certain—Nigerians are watching. The music industry is watching. The world is watching.

If justice isn’t served, then we might as well remove “protection” from the Nigerian Police Force’s job description. Because at this rate, our security forces are doing more killing than the criminals they are supposed to fight.


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Enough is Enough!

CityBuzz stands with Paul Obukowho’s family and all victims of police brutality. We demand:

An independent investigation into his death.

The immediate prosecution of the officers involved.

Urgent police reforms to stop this madness once and for all.


Justice for Paul is justice for every Nigerian who has lost someone to the brutality of a system that seems more invested in oppression than protection.

Paul was only 24. He had dreams. He had talent. He had a future. And now, he is gone.

The question is—will Nigeria finally wake up, or will we just move on?

#JusticeForPaulObukowho #StopPoliceBrutality #EndExtrajudicialKillings