Alleged man-eater, Clifford Orji, dies in prison after 13 years without trial

It has been confirmed that the alleged cannibal,
Clifford Orji, is dead. Orji has been detained in
Kirikiri prisons for the past thirteen years without
going on trial for his alleged crime.
The acting Public Relations Officer, Lagos State
Prison Command, Mr. Biyi Jeje, confirmed Orji’s
death saying , “As at Thursday Orji was fine, but
on Friday morning he died in his sleep. The cause
of his death is still unknown but an autopsy is
being performed.”
Recent reports have revealed that the alleged
man-eater’s health had progressively
deteriorated and his mental state was also
questioned.
While speaking on Orji’s failing health a few
months ago, the Deputy Comptroller of the
prison, Mr. Noel Ailewon, said Orji was in a bad
state.
“Orji’s health is getting worse. He has gone
completely mad, vomiting and even defecating
without restraint and is naked most of the time,”
he said.
A director in the Office of the Public Defender,
Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, said Orji’s case is a pathetic
one because they have tried but could not find
proper medical attention for him.
“Initially, we took Orji to Psychiatric Hospital,
Yaba, but was rejected because they claimed they
did not have long-term medical facilities.
Subsequently, he was taken to another hospital
in Ewekoro but was similarly rejected,” she said.
Orji, was arrested 13 years ago under the bridge
at Toyota bus-stop, along the Apapa-Oshodi
expressway. He was found with roasted human
flesh and bones, a cellphone, female underwear,
and a cheque of N88,000.
He was subsequently charged before an Ebute-
Meta Magistrate’s Court, on February 19, 1999
but have not gone on trial till his death on Friday
aged 46.