A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has raised an alarm concerning the deteriorating health of an American lady in Lagos police custody, Kari Ann R’ouke.
Kari Ann was expected to be released on Friday, March 19 upon the fulfilment of her bail conditions and the acceptance of her surety.
The detainee was arrested by the police in respect of the death of a male friend. She insists the deceased was in good health at the time of her departure to the airport.
In a statement, Adegboruwa said the autopsy report showed he died of cardiac trauma and heart related conditions. Kari Ann has been in police custody since March 9, at SCID, Panti, Yaba.
The lawyer disclosed that Kari Ann has lost about 23 pounds, suffered bouts of malaria and dysentery and has a delicate health condition of severe anaemia.
“On March 19, 2021, responsible sureties visited the SCID in Yaba, to sign all documents for the expected release of Kari Ann, with her lawyers, who all spent hours at the police department till late in the night.
“Upon the execution and perfection of the bail papers, Kari Ann was told to pack her belongings which she did, only to be told later on to go back into custody.
“Her international passport has been seized by the police and a reputable church has volunteered to accommodate Kari Ann in Nigeria until the police would be willing to allow her to travel back to America.”
Adegboruwa expressed concern that the police is holding her without any charge before a court of law, despite the coronavirus pandemic and her underlying condition.
The rights activist urged the Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, to look into the matter and direct the immediate release of Kari Ann for medical attention.
