The story of a Somali who was murdered in London prison

Khader Ahmed Saleh, who was found dead in another inmate’s cell with multiple knife wounds at the Wormwood Scrubs in UK. ( Courtesy)

NAIROBI—Khader Ahmed Saleh, 25, was found dead in another inmate’s cell with multiple knife wounds at the Wormwood Scrubs in London.

Four inmates have been arrested on suspicion of the last week murder.

The married father-of-one was awaiting sentencing next month for drugs offences.

His family are said to be blaming the prison after the tragedy happened under the duty of their care.

“I cannot believe his life has been taken while inside a prison. It is unacceptable. I have lost my son and he is never coming back. Who has the responsibility? I am so sad.” Her mother said.

Amina Dualeh, 58, Khader’s mother together with her three older brothers and sister moved to the UK from Somalia 13 years ago.

Saleh lived in Tower hamlets with his wife and son before being arrested.

The incident comes a month after an inspection report revealed “high levels of serious violence” and chronic staff shortages at the Category B prison in Wormwood Scrubs.

His uncle, Duale Yusuf, a Somali community activist, said Mr Saleh had been targeted by a gang inside the prison.

“This tragedy has touched our hearts and the family is broken. We are devastated. He was a very kind person. This is heartbreaking for the family.” Mr. Yusuf said.

The family said they are planning to organize a protest outside the jail.

A Prison Service spokesman said Wormwood Scrubs needed to take a decisive action to reduce violence and he send his condolences to the family of Mr Saleh.

“We are working with the police on their investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.” Stated the spokesman.

A spokesman for the CPS said Mr. Saleh was being held on remand while awaiting sentencing at the Old Bailey next month after pleading guilty to two counts of supplying class A drugs.

This is not the first incident of an inmate being murdered, In October 2016 inmate Jamal Mahmoud, 21, was stabbed to death and two others were injured in an attack at the north London.

Three of the 295 deaths in prison custody in 2017 were murders.