Tragedy Strikes: Elderly Land Agent Dies After Months of Detention Amidst Legal Turmoil in Ilorin
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a 63-year-old land agent, detained at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, has passed away after a prolonged detention period. The agent, Alhaji Taye Hussein Abubakar, was embroiled in contentious land deals that spiraled into a legal battle, ultimately leading to his arrest and subsequent detention.
Family members have voiced their distress, pointing fingers at the judiciary and correctional facility authorities for what they describe as gross neglect. The deceased, who was granted bail, could not attend his court hearing due to illness, which led to his re-arrest and detention for an estimated four to five months without a court appearance.
The bereaved relative lamented the missed opportunity for a second chance, questioning the feasibility of restitution for those involved in the land deals while Abubakar remained incarcerated. Despite pleas to the judge for bail under surety, their efforts were in vain.
The saga culminated on Friday when it was reported that Abubakar was rushed to the hospital, with conflicting accounts on whether he passed away en route or during treatment. His pre-existing health condition was known to the judge, the relative emphasized.
Phillip Adegbulugbe, the spokesperson for the correctional facility, confirmed the unfortunate demise, attributing it to kidney-related illness. Abubakar was admitted to the General Hospital in Ilorin on Thursday evening and was declared deceased at approximately 8:00 am the following day. Adegbulugbe clarified that the death occurred in the hospital, countering rumors of it happening within the correctional facility.
This incident has sparked a wave of reactions, raising questions about the treatment of detainees and the responsibilities of judicial and correctional systems towards those in their care.
