Tragedy struck the Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Warri, Delta State at the weekend when identified only as David, reportedly died as a result of HIV/Aids complications.
The inmate had consistently refused to take his prescribed antiretroviral drugs despite repeated interventions by prison officials and medical personnel, source within the Service said.
Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, (DCP) Richard Egbede, confirmed the incident to Leadership Newspaper Correspondent.
He emphasized that the refused to take his Anti-Retroviral drugs despite repeated interventions by prison officials and medical personnel.
He explained that shortly before his death, David developed a mild fever, prompting urgent medical attention within the Custodial Centre.
“I was with him until about 8p.m. that evening when we placed him on a drip. His cellmates were very supportive and later, around 2a.m., his health deteriorated further.
“In the morning, our medical staff rushed him back to Central Hospital, where doctors placed him on oxygen. Unfortunately, before test results could be released, he passed away”, he said, “we’ve been giving him the drugs all the time, but he would just keep them without taking them.
“About a month ago, when his condition worsened, we rushed him to the Central Hospital, Warri.
“He (David) was admitted, treated for two to three days, and discharged back into our custody. We advised him to take his medication seriously, but he still failed to comply”, according to Egbede.
Shortly before his death, David developed a mild fever, prompting urgent medical attention within the Custodial Centre, the official said, “I was with him until about 8 p.m”.
“That evening when we placed him on a drip. His cellmates were very supportive and later, around 2 a.m., his health deteriorated further.
“In the morning, our medical staff rushed him back to Central Hospital, where doctors placed him on oxygen. Unfortunately, before test results could be released, he passed away,” Egbede said.
TheNewspad reports that the remains of the inmate has been deposited at a morgue, just as authorities of the Custodial Centre have stepped up effort in giving inmates psycho-social support.
