The Delta State Police has denied that one Mr Paul Obukohwo was tortured to death by operatives Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in the State as was reported by many.
The Command spokesman, Bright Edafe, explained: “For the avoidance of doubt and for members of the public not to be misled, especially via social media, which has been known to be an easy way to spread falsehood.
“The command wishes to state that on the 26th of March 2025, at about 3:45 pm, operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad raided a black spot along Okpanam road and arrested one 24-year-old Prosper Odili with military camouflage while others took to their heels.
“The deceased, Paul Obukohwo, who obstructed the Police from arresting his brother and damaged the Patrol vehicle in the process, was later arrested.
“While Paul Obukohwo was in custody, he fell sick and was taken to Police Hospital Asaba where he was diagnosed with hypoglycaemia (Low sugar).
“Due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and later referred to Federal Medical Centre Asaba, where he died while receiving treatment.”
Edafe said that the Command was not oblivious to the fact that there are complaints emanating from social media and the brother of the deceased alleging that the Police tortured him while he was in custody.
For this reason, said the PPRO, and to avoid doubt, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a thorough investigation.
“The command, therefore, calls on members of his family to come to the headquarters for the commencement of the investigation. The CP, while condoling with the family of the deceased, assures them that no stone will be left unturned and that if the operatives are found culpable, they will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” said Edafe.
