An inmate at the Nigerian Correctional Service, Okere Custodial Centre in Warri, Delta State, has died following complications linked to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The deceased, identified simply as David, reportedly refused to take his prescribed antiretroviral drugs despite repeated counselling and interventions from medical personnel and prison officials.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, Richard Egbede, said the inmate’s condition had deteriorated weeks before his death.
“We’ve been giving him the drugs consistently, but he would not take them. About a month ago, when his health got worse, we rushed him to Central Hospital, Warri, where he was treated for some days before being discharged,” Egbede said.
The senior prison official explained that David’s refusal to comply with medical advice remained the biggest challenge until his final days.
According to him, the inmate developed a mild fever last week and was placed on drip under the close watch of medical staff and his cellmates. His condition, however, worsened at night, and he was rushed again to Central Hospital.
“Doctors placed him on oxygen, but unfortunately, before the results of his tests were released, he passed away,” Egbede added.
Reacting to speculations of neglect, the Deputy Comptroller dismissed the claims, stressing that prison authorities provided adequate and consistent medical support until David’s last moments.
“To the best of my knowledge, if he were alive today, he would testify that we took care of him,” he said.
The Nigerian Correctional Service is yet to issue an official statement on the development.
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