Nigerian Care Worker Caught on Camera Abusing 88-Year-Old Dementia Patient in UK — Sentenced After Victim’s Death

LONDON, UK — Disturbing CCTV footage has emerged showing a Nigerian care worker violently handling an 88-year-old dementia patient just days before his death, sparking outrage after a suspended sentence was handed down by a London court.

Bilikesu Olagunju, 42, had been working as a caregiver for only six days when she was caught on hidden camera aggressively manhandling John Attard at his Bexley, Kent residence on Christmas Eve 2022. Olagunju, who was employed by Unique Personnel UK, stripped the frail pensioner, dragged him across the living room floor, and threatened to flog him, Woolwich Crown Court heard.

Footage presented in court revealed the vulnerable great-grandfather pleading, “You’re hurting me,” while Olagunju ignored his cries and continued her abusive behaviour.

At one point in the 45-minute ordeal, Olagunju was heard threatening the elderly man:

“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.”

The hidden camera had been installed by the victim’s son, Chris Attard, who had grown concerned over his father’s care. On Christmas Day, Mr Attard was found unresponsive with blood on his face. He was rushed to hospital but never regained consciousness, passing away ten days later.

While Olagunju was not charged with causing Mr Attard’s death, she pleaded guilty to one count of ill-treating or wilfully neglecting a person under her care. She was sentenced to six weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid community service.

Speaking outside the court, Chris Attard described the sentence as “an insult,” expressing deep frustration that the justice system had failed to adequately punish the woman who, he believes, contributed to his father’s deterioration.

The case has raised fresh concerns about standards in elderly care and the screening of temporary care staff in the UK’s home care sector.