Anthony Okpala: Alleged Medical Payments, Deteriorating Health Raise Fresh Questions for Correctional Authorities

By KALU AMAH
Fresh concerns have emerged over the deteriorating health of Anthony Okpala, a contractor in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, as allegations of restricted medical access and payments allegedly made in connection with his treatment have intensified calls for an independent investigation.

The case has already generated controversy over claims that Okpala has been denied uninterrupted access to adequate medical treatment despite a Federal High Court order said to have directed that he be allowed to continue receiving treatment until a medical doctor certified him fit for discharge.

Documents relating to the case show that Okpala was receiving treatment at County Hospital for acute chronic cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy and myelopathy, as well as chronic peptic ulcer complicated by gastric bleeding.

His continued detention and reported health challenges have now been compounded by allegations that access to medical services outside the correctional facility was made dependent on payments for medical records, referrals and other documentation.

According to documents and transaction records presented by the petitioner, payments allegedly connected to Okpala’s medical treatment were made to Dr. Okpaluba Ifeoma through her relative, Titus Okpaluba.

The records presented reportedly contain a number of transfers made in relation to the allegations. The petitioner is asking authorities to investigate the identity of the recipient, the purpose of the payments, the relationship between the recipient and Dr. Okpaluba Ifeoma, and whether the payments were officially authorized.

The petitioner alleges that an inmate requiring treatment outside a correctional centre may be compelled to pay for the processing of medical records, referrals and related requirements before being taken to a hospital.

These allegations have not been established as proven facts, and the petitioner is calling on the appropriate authorities to examine the financial records and establish whether any payment was demanded or received as a condition for accessing medical treatment.

The petitioner is particularly asking whether a sick inmate’s access to a hospital, referral or medical documentation should depend on his ability to make private payments.

The matter also raises questions about the responsibility of correctional medical personnel and the procedures governing the transfer of sick inmates to outside hospitals.

The controversy was further heightened by allegations that a petition against Dr. Okpaluba Ifeoma was initially presented to the relevant authorities on July 7, 2026, but was allegedly refused and not acknowledged.

According to the petitioner, the document was subsequently sent through DHL courier service, with proof of delivery said to be available.

The petitioner is asking the relevant authorities to clarify whether the petition was eventually received and what action, if any, was taken after its delivery.

The documents relating to the petition and the alleged refusal to receive it form part of the materials presented by the petitioner in support of the call for investigation.

The latest allegations add to existing concerns surrounding the handling of Okpala’s medical condition.

Documents previously presented by his representatives state that the Federal High Court, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/684/2025, presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, delivered a judgment on May 16, 2025, which, according to the documents, directed the Correctional Service to allow Okpala to continue his medical treatment until a doctor’s report discharged him.

Questions have since been raised over allegations that Okpala was removed from County Hospital while undergoing treatment.

His family counsel, according to the documents, wrote to the Assistant Comptroller-General, Zone A, Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 17, 2025, raising concerns over the alleged circumstances surrounding his removal from the hospital.

The petitioner is demanding answers to whether Okpala was medically cleared before his removal, who authorized the action, and whether the reported court order was fully complied with.

Stakeholders are also calling for an investigation into the reported transfer of Okpala to Ogun State, particularly whether his medication, feeding requirements and continued medical care were adequately considered.

The petitioner is now urging the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Ministry of Interior and other relevant oversight authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the allegations.

Specifically, the petitioner wants investigators to examine the medical records, referral procedures, hospital documents, financial transactions and the circumstances surrounding the alleged payments made to Chukwuemeka Okpaluba, said to be a relative of Dr. Okpaluba Ifeoma.

The petitioner also wants authorities to determine whether the July 7, 2026 petition was properly acted upon after its alleged delivery through DHL.

The petitioner maintains that the allegations should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing against Dr. Okpaluba Ifeoma, Chukwuemeka Okpaluba, or any other correctional officer.

Rather, the petitioner says the documents and transactions should be independently examined to determine whether any official procedure was breached or whether any inmate was unlawfully required to make payments before accessing medical care.

As concern grows over Okpala’s health, those calling for intervention insist that the matter requires urgent attention.

They argue that a detainee’s medical condition should not worsen while complaints, petitions and court directives remain subjects of unresolved dispute.

For the petitioner, the demand is straightforward: Anthony Okpala should be given uninterrupted access to appropriate medical treatment, while the allegations surrounding his care and the reported financial transactions should be independently investigated. Should immediate action be taken, it will go a long way to help many other inmates who are currently suffering the same inhumane treatment.