Tragedy in Six Days: Nigerian Healthcare worker Jailed in UK After Patient’s Death

John Attard, a great-grandfather from Bexley, Kent, allegedly endured a 45-minute ordeal on Christmas Eve 2022 at the hands of Bilikesu Olagunju, a 42-year-old HCA employed by Unique Personnel UK. Sources report that Olagunju, only six days into her job, was caught dragging Mr. Attard across his living room, stripping him publicly, and threatening to “flog” him. According to Daily Mail Online, Mr. Attard repeatedly said, “You are hurting me,” as Olagunju allegedly ignored his pleas and her employer’s directive to call an ambulance after he fell. She also allegedly poured marmalade into his coffee, knowing he was diabetic, and spilled hot coffee on him.

The next day, Chris Attard found his father unresponsive with blood on his face. Mr. Attard died in hospital ten days later. Sources suggest that while a post-mortem couldn’t confirm causation, Chris believes Olagunju’s actions contributed to his father’s decline. “He was kind-hearted and generous,” Chris said of his father, who left behind five children, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Olagunju pleaded guilty to ill-treating or neglecting an individual in her care. Woolwich Crown Court sentenced her to a six-week suspended prison term and 50 hours of unpaid work. Sources note Chris called the sentence “an insult,” fearing it won’t deter similar misconduct. Judge Charlotte Welsh reportedly criticized the decision to assign an untrained novice to a dementia patient, calling it “frankly beggars belief.” Olagunju’s defense claimed she was “ashamed,” but Chris allegedly told her, “You can’t erase the memories you left my father with.”

The increasing reports of African HCAs involved in such cases abroad is deeply concerning. This incident reflects a broader issue: many African healthcare workers, eager for opportunities in Western countries, may not be fully prepared for the complexities of care roles.

Gaps in training, particularly in dementia care and patient dignity, are evident. Cultural differences also play a part—phrases like “flog” may stem from colloquial expressions but are inappropriate and alarming in a professional context.

Agencies often fail to provide robust orientation, leaving workers like Olagunju, who had no prior convictions, ill-equipped for vulnerable clients. This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive pre-deployment training and cultural sensitivity programs to bridge these gaps and protect both patients and African carers from such tragedies.

Chris Attard is reportedly pushing for accountability from agencies like Unique Personnel UK, stating, “They should have faced consequences too.” As healthcare professionals, we must advocate for rigorous training and oversight to ensure compassionate care. Fellow Nurses Africa mourns John Attard’s loss and calls for systemic reforms to prevent such alleged failures.

Report suspected abuse to authorities. Let’s build a safer, more compassionate care system.

Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support the nursing profession.