Blessing Okoro, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, has passed away after being denied medical treatment while in custody at the Aba Correctional Facility in Abia State. She was diagnosed with liver-related complications, including a large abdominal tumor suspected to be cancerous, and other health issues such as partial intestinal obstruction, fatty liver, and dysfunction in the right kidney.
Okoro's family had accused the police of brutally assaulting her during her arrest, which they claim worsened her health condition. The police alleged that Okoro was involved in child trafficking, but her family consistently denied these accusations, stating they were false and stemmed from a tenancy dispute.
Despite a medical report recommending her urgent transfer to Enugu State for specialized care, prison officials reportedly delayed her transfer until she secured bail. After her release, four hospitals rejected her due to the severity of her condition, and her family was informed that she now has a 50% survival rate ¹ ².
Okoro's case highlights concerns about prison conditions and the treatment of inmates in Nigeria, sparking calls for accountability and reform within the prison system ¹.
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