In a heartbreaking turn of events, Uchenna Nwanneneme, a 50-year-old Nigerian of Igbo descent hailing from Anambra state in South East Nigeria, has passed away in an Ethiopian prison. According to reports, he succumbed to an illness allegedly contracted within the prison walls. Uchenna had been incarcerated for over two years on charges of illegal drug possession within the confines of Kaliti prison.
Mr. Chidiebere, an Igbo inmate who bore witness to Uchenna’s deteriorating health before his untimely demise, revealed a distressing account. He claimed that the prison authorities had exhibited a marked bias against Nigerian inmates, citing Ancestral News’ year-long campaign to shed light on the alleged maltreatment of Nigerians in Kaliti, Ethiopia’s notorious correctional facility.
Recalling an earlier incident, Ancestral News had previously exposed the tragic case of Chizoba , a Nigerian inmate who was reportedly subjected to severe mistreatment by Kaliti prison officials, resulting in her tragic death. This harrowing revelation prompted international outrage and the intervention of the Diaspora committee led by Mrs. Abike Dabiri through the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia.
Chidiebere disclosed that the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia had visited the prison eight months ago, promising assistance. However, their commitments remained unfulfilled, including Ethiopia’s approval for the transfer of Nigerian inmates back to their home country, which awaited the Nigerian federal government’s endorsement. Desperate for help, Chidiebere implored Mrs. Abike Dabiri and President Tinubu to come to the aid of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia’s prisons.
The Kaliti prison in Ethiopia, notorious for its deplorable conditions, has claimed the lives of numerous Nigerian inmates in recent years. The urgent appeal to repatriate Nigerians to their homeland to serve the remainder of their sentences appears to be the sole recourse to safeguard the lives of those who live in constant uncertainty under the jurisdiction of the prison authorities.
Chidiebere, in conversation with Ancestral News, revealed that unless someone, be it the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia or concerned individuals, steps forward, the deceased Uchenna’s body will be laid to rest in Ethiopia, with neither the Nigerian government nor his parents being informed. Chidiebere went on to explain that Nigerians incarcerated in this facility are subjected to inhumane treatment, often treated as if they were animals. He stated that authorities have advised them to “improve their own country” if they seek respect, emphasizing the stark contrast with how other embassies regularly visit their citizens, while Nigeria’s presence is sporadic, occurring perhaps once every five years.
Although Ancestral News has gathered information suggesting that the Nigerian inmate died from an infection, the prison authorities have yet to confirm this. However, speculations abound that Uchenna may have contracted the infection while in prison, possibly from Ethiopian inmates.
Uchenna died due to the negligence and corrupt practices of the prison officer. He was sick for some days, but rather than give him immediate medical attention, he was left untreated for several days despite his obvious sickness,” Chidiebere told Ancestral News
