GFHECIL Condemns Abuse of Elderly Dementia Patient by Nigerian Carer in the UK
Bexley, UK – June 2025
GF Health and Edu Consult International Ltd (GFHECIL) expresses deep concern and condemnation following the recent conviction of a Nigerian care worker, Ms. Bilikesu Olagunju, who was caught on camera ill-treating an 88-year-old dementia patient in the United Kingdom.
The disturbing incident occurred on Christmas Eve 2022 in the home of the late Mr. John Attard, a vulnerable elderly man living with dementia. Ms. Olagunju, 42, who had only been in her care role for six days with Unique Personnel UK, was captured on CCTV engaging in aggressive and inappropriate behavior during a 45-minute care visit.
According to evidence presented at Woolwich Crown Court, the footage—secretly recorded by Mr. Attard’s son, Chris—revealed Ms. Olagunju stripping the patient in full view of a public window, forcefully dragging him across the floor, ignoring repeated cries of pain, and threatening physical punishment, including statements such as, “Maybe I will beat you up. I will flog you.
”Tragically, Mr. Attard was found unresponsive the following morning, bleeding from the head, and died ten days later in hospital. While the official autopsy could not establish a direct link between the carer’s actions and his death, the family maintains that the abuse contributed to his rapid decline.
Ms. Olagunju pleaded guilty to one count of willful neglect or ill-treatment of a person in her care and was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, along with 50 hours of community service. The sentencing has sparked outrage, with Mr. Attard’s son labelling the punishment as an “insult” and questioning its deterrent effect.
This incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of those under care and the immense responsibility placed on caregivers. As an organisation committed to upholding the highest standards in caregiving, we strongly condemn all forms of abuse and neglect, and advocate for stringent measures to protect the dignity, safety, and rights of the elderly and dependent persons globally.
Mr. Attard, described by his family as kind-hearted, humorous, and deeply loved, left behind a legacy of five children, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His death emphasizes the critical need for ongoing reforms in caregiver training, screening, and oversight—principles that GFHECIL continues to promote across its operations.
There is need for care providers, regulatory bodies, and government agencies in the UK and Nigeria to reinforce their commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring accountability within the caregiving profession.