Prisons denies negligence over inmate’s death

The Nigerian Prisons Service, Delta State Command has denied allegation of negligence over the death of an inmate in a prison under the command.

A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Uche Mgbakor said the deceased inmate, Smart Uwuzu, 47 was remanded in the Medium Security Prison, Ogwashi-Uku by the Magistrate Court 2, Ibusa for an alleged offense of murder and was admitted on the June 9 with a sore on his right leg, which was successfully treated by the prison’s medical staff.

He said the prison’s treatment register shows that the deceased inmate was treated for various ailments including swollen feet before his demise.

He said the deceased inmate upon taking ill on September 24 was referred to the General hospital, Ogwashi-Uku, and was later referred to the General hospital, Okwe, Asaba, due to lack of oxygen and suction machine.

“Unfortunately, the General hospital, Okwe, Asaba also lacked the said medical facility to handle the deceased case. He was further referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba where he was rejected as the hospital’s staffs were on strike.

“That evening after efforts to get him treated turned out futile, he was taken back to the prison clinic, where he received treatment. On 25th September, 2017, he was taken back to the General hospital, Ogwashi-Uku where he died,” he said.

Mgbakor said the death of the inmate would have been averted if he had access to treatment.