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.

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has rejected the bail conditions set by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following his invitation for questioning over a viral video he posted, which highlighted alleged extortion by police officers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Sowore stated, “I have rejected a bail condition asking me to present a level 17 Permanent Secretary. Instead, I have offered to remain in police custody pending when the joke is over with.”

This came after Sowore was informed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Federal Intelligence Department (FID) that bail would be granted pending the completion of the investigation into the matter.

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The police have charged Sowore with multiple offenses, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, acts intended to cause harm, cyberstalking, and refusal to assist public servants.

This follows his recording of a video in which he confronted officers allegedly setting up roadblocks for the purpose of soliciting bribes.

Sowore’s decision to reject the bail conditions stemmed from his refusal to accept terms that he deemed unreasonable and compromising.

“I have also advised the DIG that in accepting ‘bail,’ I will not agree to conditions that compromise my innocence, dignity, and integrity. If such unreasonable conditions are imposed, I will choose to remain in detention until I am charged to court,” he added.

Sowore further criticized the investigation, calling it an exercise in impunity and asserting that no crime had been defined in relation to his case.

Earlier, Sowore revealed that he had completed his “interview” with the police at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, where he was questioned about the viral video. “

The police relied on a rehashed set of information sourced mostly from the internet,” Sowore explained.

When he asked them to identify the location of the alleged crime, they provided a vague response, mentioning only the airport road. He chose not to provide a written statement, noting that in the absence of a defined crime, there was no need for such a process.

Sowore also reported that the police took a break during the session, later informing him that they were awaiting further instructions from higher authorities.

He expressed concern that the police were planning to take him to Lagos for a “kangaroo trial.” “It seems their plan is to detain me and take me to Lagos for a kangaroo trial. However, I am prepared to face any consequences,” he said.

In a direct challenge to the leadership of the Nigerian police, Sowore reiterated his stance against the current Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whom he accused of extending his tenure illegally.

“I made it clear to the team that the matter revolves around my publicly stated view that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who is due for retirement and clearly tired, had his tenure extended illegally,” Sowore stated.

Despite the mounting pressure, Sowore remained resolute, asserting that his fight for justice would continue.

“We are entering a promising year, and our fight for justice will persist,” he concluded, with the hashtag #RevolutionNow, further solidifying his commitment to advocating for human rights and challenging the impunity within Nigeria’s police force.

The Sokoto State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, has announced the implementation of the revised N70,000 national minimum wage for all state civil servants, local government employees, and the Local Government Education Authority.

This new policy will take effect on Monday, signaling a significant step towards improving workers’ welfare in the state.

Governor Aliyu, in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, emphasized that the new minimum wage reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of Sokoto’s workforce.

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He also encouraged civil servants to match the gesture with greater dedication, professionalism, and hard work.

“With the commencement of the payment of this new national minimum wage, we expect renewed commitment, hard work, punctuality, and, above all, seriousness from our civil servants,” the governor remarked.

Aliyu also reassured workers that his administration is committed to maintaining timely salary payments, with salaries to be paid between the 19th and 22nd of each month.

This consistent schedule is designed to further solidify Sokoto State’s reputation as a worker-friendly administration.

In addition to the new wage policy, the governor has placed a high priority on clearing the backlog of unpaid gratuities owed to retired workers.

A total of N500 million will be allocated monthly to offset these outstanding payments, with an additional N300 million designated for retirees who left service in 2023 and beyond.

Governor Aliyu assured the public that by the end of his tenure, no civil servant would be left owing gratuities.

“This strategic approach ensures that by the end of my administration, no civil servant will be owed gratuities,” Aliyu stated, highlighting the stark contrast with previous administrations where salary delays often stretched beyond 50 days, leaving workers facing financial uncertainty.