Inmate Dies in Warri Prison After Refusing HIV Medication

An inmate at the Okere Custodial Centre in Warri, identified only as David, has died from complications reportedly linked to HIV, following repeated refusals to take his prescribed antiretroviral medication. The incident has stirred concern, with prison officials defending the care provided prior to his death.

Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, Richard Egbede, confirmed the death on Sunday, stating that both medical personnel and correctional officers made consistent efforts to ensure David followed his treatment. “We gave him the drugs regularly, but he wouldn’t take them,” Egbede said, noting that the inmate had previously been hospitalised and discharged after showing signs of improvement.

Despite ongoing counselling, David allegedly remained non-compliant with his medication regimen. His health deteriorated again two weeks ago, leading to his placement on a drip and later an emergency transfer to Central Hospital, Warri. Egbede recounted that David was placed on oxygen but died before test results were returned.

Reacting to online claims of negligence, the prison official dismissed them as unfounded. “If he were alive today, he would testify that we took care of him,” Egbede said. While the Nigerian Correctional Service has yet to issue a formal statement, the matter has reignited debate over inmate healthcare and compliance in correctional facilities.