Emmanuel John Paul Okonachi, a 35-year-old Nigerian citizen, who was detained at Maafushi Prison pending trial, has passed away today.
According to the Maldives Correctional Service, Okonachi suddenly collapsed while playing with other detainees in the prison yard. He was immediately taken to the Maafushi Prison medical center for urgent treatment, and within 4 minutes, he was transferred to Maafushi Hospital where doctors began treatment. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at approximately 17:20.
The Maldives Correctional Service confirmed that Okonachi was being held pending trial for a case related to possession, use, and trafficking of drugs in the Maldives, and was not receiving treatment for any known chronic illnesses.
In accordance with protocol, the Correctional Service has notified the Inspector of Correctional Service, Maldives Police Service, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, National Integrity Commission, and the Prosecutor General's Office regarding the incident.