Basil Ilobi Lawrence, a Nigerian inmate at the Kaliti maximum-security prison in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has died.

Lawrence, who hailed from Delta State, passed away on Sunday night, January 25, after battling deteriorating health conditions that inmates claim were ignored by prison authorities.

Lawrence’s death highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of Nigerian prisoners in the facility, which houses approximately 300 Nigerians.

Inmates allege that Lawrence was left untreated despite suffering from high blood pressure, which eventually led to a stroke.

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One inmate described the harsh conditions they endure: “Several inmates in the facility have fallen ill due to malnourishment. We’re fed once a day with white rice, without sauce, all year round.”

The inmate revealed that Lawrence’s declining health was previously reported but no medical assistance was provided. “One of our Nigerian brothers, Basil Lawrence Ilobi, is still down with a stroke, yet no treatment,” the source said last week.

On Monday, the same source confirmed Lawrence’s death, attributing it to neglect.

“Basil Lawrence Ilobi, our Nigerian brother who you reported was sick last week, is dead. He died in the Ethiopian prison on Sunday, January 25. He died as a result of untreated HBP (high blood pressure) which he developed in prison. The high blood pressure degenerated into a stroke. No food, no medicine, no treatment,” the inmate lamented.

This marks the third reported death of a Nigerian inmate at Kaliti Prison in two years. In 2023, two Nigerians, Chizoba Eze and Uchenna Nwanneneme, also died under controversial circumstances involving alleged physical aggression and lack of adequate medical care.

Inmates are appealing to the Nigerian government to intervene and improve their conditions. “Our government should please come to our rescue,” the source pleaded.

The Nigerian government is yet to comment on Lawrence’s death.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.

In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.

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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.

To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.

“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”

TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.

Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.

Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.

“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.

The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.

“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”

Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.