Amnesty calls for emergency at Kano prison after six suspected cholera deaths

Amnesty International Nigeria has urged Nigerian authorities to declare an emergency at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano, following the deaths of at least six inmates from a suspected cholera outbreak in just one week. The organization expressed concern over the potential for higher death tolls, as the disease continues to spread among prisoners who are largely awaiting trial.

Amnesty International Nigeria emphasized the urgent need for hospital transfers for critically ill inmates and warned that failure to act could amount to a violation of human rights under international law. The organization highlighted the broader issues in Nigerian correctional facilities, noting that many inmates languish in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, often without proper food or medical care, and may spend years in prison awaiting trial without ever being convicted of a crime.

Amnesty International Nigeria called on the Nigerian government to improve conditions in detention facilities and ensure that the treatment of inmates adheres to human rights standards, best practices, and international guidelines.