By: Sunday Ameh
Tragedy struck at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja as an awaiting trial inmate, identified simply as Bitrus, reportedly died overnight at the prison clinic where Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, is also receiving treatment.
According to reports, the deceased inmate’s cause of death remains unclear. However, prison sources revealed that Bitrus was remanded at the facility by the same police prosecutor, Musa Adama, who is also responsible for arraigning 13 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
A source within the prison described Adama as a serial abuser of the justice system, alleging that he “frames poor Nigerians and sends them to prison to await trial,” with many languishing for years without justice.
“One of them died today,” the source lamented.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Ejimakor, who was arrested and brutalized by the police during a peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja, fell critically ill while in detention. Despite being granted bail by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id of the Kuje Court, the judge reportedly refused to sign the bail bond, leaving him in custody.
Ejimakor is said to be receiving medical attention at the Kuje prison clinic with a collar brace around his neck after sustaining severe injuries. His lawyer, Barrister Maxwell Opara, confirmed his deteriorating health condition following a recent visit.
Reports also indicate that the same magistrate who handled Ejimakor and Sowore’s cases allegedly collaborated with the police to delay their release despite court orders.
The latest death in custody has raised fresh concerns about the dire state of Nigeria’s prison system, particularly the neglect of inmates awaiting trial and the worsening conditions of political detainees.
Human rights advocates have called for an immediate investigation into the death of the inmate and the continued detention of Ejimakor, Sowore, and others arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
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