The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over the deteriorating health of Abuja-based businessman, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, who is being held at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos.
The organisation called for his immediate transfer to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
HURIWA said the Federal High Court in Lagos had ordered that Immanuel be transferred immediately to LASUTH for medical treatment but alleged that the directive had not been obeyed.
The group said the situation was no longer merely a detention matter but one involving the health, liberty and fundamental rights of a detainee who had not been convicted of any offence.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF), which has been monitoring the case, first alerted correctional authorities on July 10, 2026, to Immanuel’s deteriorating health.
According to the organisation, TBF subsequently approached the Federal High Court after the alleged failure of the authorities to act.
Justice Osiagor reportedly ordered on July 16 that Immanuel be transferred immediately to LASUTH for treatment.
HURIWA described the alleged failure to comply with the order as disturbing and said it raised questions about respect for the rule of law within the correctional system.
The organisation said TBF had also served a Form 48 on the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, warning of the consequences of alleged disobedience of the court order.
HURIWA urged the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to intervene and ensure compliance.
“A court order is not a piece of advice to a government agency. It is a command of the law and must be obeyed,” the group said.
It also called for an independent investigation into allegations that correctional officials may have been improperly influenced to prevent Immanuel’s transfer.
HURIWA stressed that any allegation of bribery remained an allegation and should be independently investigated before conclusions were reached.
The group also questioned the nature of the case against Immanuel, saying it understood that the matter arose from commercial dealings involving business and shareholding interests.
It questioned why what it described as a commercial dispute should result in prolonged criminal detention, while acknowledging that the proper legal character of the dispute remained a matter for the court.
HURIWA urged all parties to allow the judicial process to run its course while protecting Immanuel’s constitutional rights.
It also expressed concern over reports of repeated bail denials and allegations that his passport had been seized, while his bank account and those of his wife were allegedly frozen.
The group urged authorities to ensure that any restrictions imposed on the accused were lawful and consistent with fair hearing and due process.
HURIWA said Immanuel’s health remained the most urgent concern.
“Only the living can face justice. Only the living can defend themselves against criminal allegations,” it said.
The association therefore demanded Immanuel’s immediate transfer to LASUTH and urged correctional authorities to provide adequate medical care while the legal proceedings continue
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