UK-Based Nigerian Carer Caught Abusing Dementia Patient Days Before His Death

A UK-based Nigerian care worker, Bilikesu Olagunju, has been convicted of ill-treatment after shocking footage revealed her violently abusing an 88-year-old dementia patient, John Attard, just days before his death.

The disturbing incident occurred on Christmas Eve 2022 at Mr Attard’s home in Bexley, Kent, where he was receiving in-home care. Olagunju, who had been on the job for only six days and was employed by Unique Personnel UK, was recorded on a hidden camera installed by the victim’s son subjecting the elderly man to physical and verbal abuse.

In the video, Olagunju is seen stripping the frail patient, threatening to beat him, and ignoring his cries of pain. At one point, she was heard saying: “Maybe I will beat you up. I will flog you. I will take you to the GP to get injections. I will call the police on you.”

She was also filmed pouring marmalade into Mr Attard’s coffee despite knowing he was diabetic, and roughly dragging him by the arm and collar.

The following morning, on Christmas Day, Mr Attard was found unresponsive with blood on his face. He was rushed to hospital, but never regained consciousness and passed away ten days later. Although a post-mortem examination could not conclusively link his death to the abuse, his family believes the trauma played a significant role.

Olagunju was charged with one count of ill-treatment or wilful neglect of a person lacking mental capacity. At Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London, she pleaded guilty and was handed a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with an order to complete 50 hours of unpaid community service.

The sentence has sparked outrage from the victim’s family. Speaking after the court ruling, Mr Attard’s son, Chris Attard, described the punishment as “an insult.” He said, “If those cameras had not been there, that person could still be out there treating elderly people like this… I was expecting a suspended sentence, but the length and community service aspect is an insult. What kind of deterrent is that?”

The case has reignited calls for stricter regulation of care workers and more robust protections for elderly and vulnerable individuals in private care settings across the UK.