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The family of Zainab Sheriff has moved to dispel reports circulating on social media that she has died in prison, confirming that she is alive but warning that her health condition is reportedly critical.
The death rumour sparked concern among members of the public and Zainab’s relatives, particularly amid reports that she has been seriously ill while in custody.
However, speaking after recently visiting Zainab, her aunt dismissed the reports of her death as false, saying she found her alive but in a very serious health condition.
The family is now calling for urgent medical intervention, stressing that Zainab’s deteriorating condition requires immediate attention before it becomes more critical.
They are appealing to the Government of Sierra Leone, humanitarian organisations, NGOs and other concerned institutions to intervene and ensure that Zainab receives the medical care she urgently needs.
While the family has confirmed that Zainab is alive, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the welfare of people in custody who develop serious medical conditions and whether they have timely access to adequate healthcare.
For Zainab’s family, the focus should now shift away from the social media speculation and towards ensuring her survival and access to appropriate medical treatment. They are urging the relevant authorities not to wait until her condition reaches an irreversible stage before taking action.
The family maintains that where the required medical treatment is not available within the custodial system, arrangements should be made for the affected person to receive appropriate care outside the facility.
The situation has also renewed concerns over the consequences of unverified information circulating on social media. False reports of a person’s death can cause significant distress to family members and friends, particularly when the individual is already facing serious health challenges.
The family is therefore urging the public to verify sensitive information before sharing it, especially reports concerning the death or medical condition of individuals in custody.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations, NGOs and human rights groups are being encouraged to monitor Zainab’s situation and advocate for the medical assistance her family says she urgently requires.
For now, Zainab Sheriff is alive, according to her aunt, but her family says her condition is severe.
The family is calling for swift intervention, warning that urgent medical care is needed to prevent the current health crisis from turning into a tragedy.
