In a gripping lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on December 4, 2025, an inmate has accused the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and several correctional officers of violating his constitutional rights. The plaintiff, Olajide Paul Ogunyomade, alleges that during his incarceration at the James V. Alred Unit from February 2015 to February 2025, he was subjected to continuous abuse and neglect by prison staff, leading him to seek justice under 42 U.S.C. §1983 for violations of his Eighth Amendment rights.
Ogunyomade’s complaint outlines a harrowing narrative of alleged mistreatment and negligence by prison officials, including Warden Ronald Ivey, Captain Kyle Kulver, Sergeant Arnie Juala, Correctional Officer Paterson, and other unnamed officers. According to the lawsuit, inmates began labeling Ogunyomade as a “snitch,” placing his life in danger. Despite repeated requests for protective custody and filing a Prison Rape Elimination Act report due to threats against him, Ogunyomade claims he faced retaliation instead of protection. “Rather than increasing protection,” the complaint states, “the Plaintiff experienced retaliation… whenever he attempted to report danger or request assistance.”
The complaint further details multiple instances where Ogunyomade displayed signs in his cell window pleading for help due to fears for his life. These pleas were allegedly ignored by correctional staff who instead subjected him to strip searches and used excessive force. On one occasion described in the lawsuit, officers sprayed Ogunyomade with mace after he refused a strip search out of fear it would lead to further harm if returned to general population.
Ogunyomade’s ordeal reportedly escalated when he was stabbed by another inmate while unrestrained during shower time—an incident that led to hospitalization but no subsequent safety measures upon his return to general population. Throughout this period, Ogunyomade asserts that prison officials exhibited deliberate indifference towards his medical needs and safety concerns.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for physical injuries and emotional distress suffered due to what he describes as cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. Additionally, punitive damages are sought against individual defendants for their roles in perpetuating these alleged abuses.
Represented by attorney Jason J. Jakob from The Jakob Law Firm P.C., Ogunyomade’s case underscores serious allegations of systemic failures within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s handling of inmate safety and rights protections. The case is presided over under Civil Action No. 7:25-cv-121 before Judge Reed O’Connor.
Source: 725cv00121_Olajide_Paul_v_Texas_Department_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Texas.pdf
