A Nigerian inmate at the Kaliti prison, a maximum-security prison in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, identified as Smith Okoafor, is critically sick and allegedly being left untreated despite his ailment. Smith is one of about 300 inmates of Nigerian descent at the Ethiopian prison facility. Sources at the prison appealed to the Nigerian government to come to their rescue, stating that Okoafor has a kidney problem and is being denied access to medication.
Abandonment and Neglect
According to the sources, the prison officials are abandoning Okoafor, just like they did to another Nigerian inmate, Basil Ilobi Lawrence, who died in January after being allegedly left untreated despite his deteriorating health condition. “We have another Nigerian youth suffering right now in an Ethiopian prison. He has a kidney problem, yet no treatment. He doesn’t have access to medication as well,” one of the sources said.
Another source added, “Yes, the prison officials are abandoning him – same thing they did to our other brother, Basil Ilobi Lawrence, who died in January after he was abandoned. Okoafor is from Abia state in Nigeria, and he is terribly down.” This raises concerns about the treatment of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons and the need for urgent intervention.
Previous Deaths of Nigerian Inmates
The death of Ilobi occurred just days after a report was published highlighting his deteriorating health condition. Fellow inmates had earlier described how Ilobi, along with others, was allegedly left untreated despite showing clear signs of illness. They recounted severe cases of malnourishment within the facility, noting that inmates were fed only once a day, typically just white rice without any sauce.
Ilobi had reportedly suffered a stroke brought on by untreated high blood pressure, which he developed while in custody. Despite his critical condition, he received no medical attention. The lack of food, medicine, and basic care was said to have worsened his health. His death marked the third time a Nigerian inmate had died in the same prison within the past two years.
Call for Urgent Action
The situation of Smith Okoafor and the previous deaths of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons highlight the need for urgent action from the Nigerian government to protect its citizens abroad. The government must take immediate steps to ensure that Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons receive the medical attention and care they need.
Previous Incidents
In 2023, two Nigerians, Chizoba Eze and Uchenna Nwanneneme, died in Kaliti Prison following alleged physical aggression and poor medication. These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons and the need for the Nigerian government to take concrete steps to address these issues.
The Nigerian government must prioritize the welfare and safety of its citizens abroad and work to ensure that they receive fair treatment and protection. The government must also investigate these incidents and take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.