Human rights advocates and grieving family members are demanding accountability following the death of retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Blessing Chinyere Okoro, who passed away after being denied urgent medical care while in custody at the Aba Correctional Facility.
Okoro, who was facing child trafficking charges she and her family vehemently denied, had been battling a severe abdominal illness, including a suspected cancerous liver tumour, gallstones, and kidney dysfunction. Despite medical recommendations for her transfer to a specialized hospital in Enugu, prison authorities reportedly blocked the move, insisting she could only receive treatment if granted bail—a request repeatedly denied by the courts.
“She was dying slowly right in front of their eyes,” a family member lamented. “We are losing hope.” Medical reports revealed a 10cm mass obstructing her digestive system, fluid buildup in her abdomen, and signs of advanced organ failure.
Okoro’s health deteriorated rapidly following her arrest on May 19, shortly after undergoing fibroid surgery. Her family alleges she was violently assaulted during the arrest, exacerbating her condition. Despite the gravity of her illness, the only financial support provided by prison authorities was ₦60,000—far below the estimated ₦1 million needed for her care.
The late officer was also the founder of Faith, Hope, and Charity Orphanage in Ogborhill, Aba, which authorities claim was involved in child trafficking. Her family maintains her innocence and says she was targeted unfairly.
This tragic case has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with calls for urgent reforms in the treatment of detainees and the protection of their medical rights. Advocates are urging the Nigerian Correctional Service and judicial authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Okoro’s death and ensure that no individual—guilty or not—is denied the right to life-saving care.