An inmate, whose name is yet to be known, was yesterday morning, found dead at Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre. The incident again brought the custodial centre under a negative limelight. The Guardian gathered that the inmate’s death is not unconnected to lack of medical care and attention by prison officials, who despite knowing his health status, left him unattended at the weekend.

Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Humphrey Chukwuedo, who confirmed the death to The Guardian, said the inmate had health challenges, which were routinely being managed by Centre’s medical team and officials. He said the deceased had earlier complained of his health at the weekend, while preparations were being made to take him to the hospital, he was sadly found dead when they went to check up on him yesterday morning. In a communiqué 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. According to him, 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, Gwagwalada, Abuja. “Unfortunately, when the inmate’s health deteriorated over the weekend, all efforts by the medical personnel to resuscitate him failed. “A peaceful prayer session is being organised by staff and fellow inmates of the deceased for the repose of his soul.” “The Controller of the Command, Ahmed Ahmed, expressed sadness and condoled with the deceased’s family and friends, and reinstated his commitment to putting the health and general welfare of inmates and staff on the front burner,” the communiqué added.