Kuje prison in spotlight over death of inmate

The Kuje Medium Security Custodial Center has again come under the limelight as one of its inmates whose name is yet to be known, was found dead, Monday morning under questionable circumstances.

Reports filtering in indicated that the inmate’s death is not unrelated to the lack of medical care and attention by prison officials who despite knowing his health status left him unattended over the weekend.

But Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), Humphrey Chukwuedo, while confirming the death to The Guardian, explained that the said inmate had been having some health challenges which were routinely being managed by corrections medical team and officials.

He said the deceased had earlier complained over his health at the weekend and while preparations were made to take him to the hospital, he was sadly found dead when they went to check up on him to take him out this morning

In a communique later issued, Chukwuedo said the inmate was admitted into the facility in 2019 with a medical diagnosis of some chronic ailment which was not mentioned in the statement.

He said the inmate was immediately placed on special medical management by a combined team of medical personnel in the facility as well as occasional referrals to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada.

According to the communique, “Unfortunately, when the inmate’s health deteriorated over the weekend, all effort by the medical personnel to resuscitate him failed.

“A peaceful prayer session is being organized by the staff and fellow inmates of the deceased for the repose of his soul.”

It also notes that the Controller of the Command, Ahmed Ahmed expressed sadness and condoles the deceased family and friends, and reinstated his commitment to putting the health and general welfare of inmates and staff on the front burner.

Meanwhile, social media reports, however, indicated that there was tension and palpable fear among inmates as some others tried to take advantage of the tense mood to escape custody but were swiftly prevented by the officers.