Northumbria student dead in Durham prison

Boniface Umale, an engineering masters student at Northumbria University, has died in HMP Durham. Prison officials have not revealed the cause of his death or the reason for his arrest.

The UK based Nigerian news website Nigeria Watch broke the story and revealed that, up until the date of his arrest, he had been studying for a MSc in Pipeline Engineering at Northumbria University following an MSc degree in project management from the same university.

Northumbria student, Boniface Umale before his death at the hands of HMP Durham

The Nigerian embassy was not informed of his arrest until the day after his death, the circumstances of which remain unclear.

Following news of his death, a group of friends from the Idoma community in the UK hired Rock Solicitors to represent Mr. Umale and investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest and consequent death.

In a shocking turn of events, Mr. Adenjii arrived at HMP Durham only to be  told that his client’s body was being prepared for cremation.

Bonny-faced engineering student, Boniface Umale, during happier days

Daniel Okpla, a spokesman for the Idoma community, told Nigeria Watch that “HMP Durham could not confirm if he was convicted of any crime and have not submitted any autopsy report to the Nigerian high commission despite several requests by it and the Idoma community in diaspora.

Without confirmation from the Nigerian high commission, HMP Durham has indicated her intention to proceed with cremating the body without following due process.”

“Family, friends and the entire Idoma community in diaspora have made it clear that cremation is culturally unacceptable and arrangement must be made to repatriate the body to the family at Otukpo in Benue State, Nigeria for a befitting burial. It is completely unacceptable that HMP Durham seem to be sweeping this matter under the carpet.”

Concerns have also been raised by human rights organisations and the wider Nigerian community about the level of care and support Mr. Umale received while in police custody, prior to arriving at the HMP Durham, and why the police and the authorities failed to notify any one of his arrest or detention until the time of his death.

Steeped in controversy: HMP Durham has suffered escapes and deaths in recent months

Activist Lee Jasper, who styles himself as a black superman on his Twitter page

In a dramatic twist Lee Jasper, who claims to be a well known and experienced human rights activist, has been trying to get in contact with Mr. Umale’s family whilst also warning them off Rock Solicitors. He described the newly founded firm based in Balham, South London as ‘completely corrupt…absolutely incompetent’ and ‘charlatans’.

Lee Jasper making his views clear on Nigeria Watch’s comment section

Activist Lee Jasper appears to be, according to his twitter page which features a photo of a black Superman, co-chair of BARAC & National Black Members Officer for the Respect Party.

He also served as a Senior Policy Advisor on Equalities to Former Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, until he resigned on 4th March 2008 amid accusations of corruption.

In July 2009, the Spectator described Lee Jasper as Ken Livingstone’s right hand-man and revealed how he had claimed that mass murderer Anders Breivik and London Mayor Boris Johnson were eminently confusable.