Prison Authorities Confirm Death of Inmate Accused of Raping Daughter in Delta

The Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, DCP Richard Egbede, has confirmed the death of a 50-year-old inmate, David, who was standing trial for allegedly raping his 10-year-old daughter and infecting her with HIV.

Egbede, who spoke in a telephone interview on Sunday, September 21, 2025, said the incident occurred at the Okere Custodial Centre, Warri, where the inmate had been remanded after his arrest in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

According to him, David died from health complications linked to HIV after persistently refusing to take his prescribed antiretroviral medication, despite repeated counselling and close monitoring by prison authorities.

“We’ve been giving him the drugs all the time, but he would just keep them without taking them,” Egbede explained, adding that the refusal undermined every effort made by medical personnel within the custodial centre.

He recalled that about a month earlier, the inmate’s condition deteriorated, prompting his transfer to the Central Hospital, Warri, where he was admitted for three days. Though his health improved temporarily, he allegedly returned to old habits by neglecting his treatment after discharge.

Egbede revealed that shortly before his death, David developed a mild fever and was placed on a drip inside the facility. His fellow inmates and prison officials reportedly supported him during the period, but his health worsened around 2:00 a.m. He was rushed back to the hospital in the morning.

“Doctors placed him on oxygen, but sadly, before the test results could be released, he passed away,” the prison chief said.

He dismissed social media reports suggesting neglect or lack of medical attention, insisting that the custodial centre provided consistent care throughout the inmate’s illness.

“To the best of my knowledge, if he were alive today, he would testify that we took care of him,” Egbede maintained.

The Deputy Comptroller further explained that custodial centres are mandated to provide healthcare to all inmates, regardless of the nature of the offences they are accused of, stressing that the Warri facility had complied fully in David’s case.

Following allegations that he repeatedly violated his 10-year-old daughter and infected her with HIV. His prosecution was still ongoing at the time of his death.