Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate transfer of detained businessman Ufoma Joseph Immanuel to a hospital, citing concerns over his deteriorating health and alleged failure by correctional authorities to comply with a Federal High Court Order, Prime Business Africa reports.
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Immanuel is being held at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos in connection with a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to HURIWA. He has not been convicted.
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The rights group said the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF), which has been monitoring the case, alerted correctional authorities on July 10, 2026, to Immanuel’s worsening health and requested his urgent transfer to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
HURIWA said the foundation subsequently approached the Federal High Court, which on July 16 ordered that Immanuel be transferred to LASUTH for medical treatment.
The group alleged that the order had not been implemented and said TBF had served a Form 48 on the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, warning of the legal consequences of alleged disobedience of the directive.
“A court order is not a piece of advice to a government agency. It is a command of the law and must be obeyed,” HURIWA said.
HURIWA urged the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to intervene and ensure compliance with the court order.
It also called for an independent investigation into allegations that correctional officials may have been improperly influenced to prevent Immanuel’s transfer. The group stressed that any allegation of bribery remained unproven and should be investigated before any conclusion was reached.
HURIWA further questioned the circumstances surrounding the criminal case, saying its understanding was that the dispute stemmed from commercial dealings involving Immanuel and a business partner identified as Adebutu.
The group questioned whether a dispute arising from business and shareholding interests should have resulted in prolonged criminal detention, while acknowledging that the courts would determine the legal character of the case.
It also expressed concern over reports of repeated bail denials and claims that Immanuel’s passport had been seized and his bank accounts, as well as those of his wife, frozen.
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HURIWA urged the court and relevant authorities to ensure that any restrictions imposed on the accused were lawful and consistent with due process and fair-hearing requirements.
The group reiterated that Immanuel was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
HURIWA said his health remained the most pressing concern, warning that inadequate access to medical care could affect his ability to participate effectively in his defence.
“Only the living can face justice. Only the living can defend themselves against criminal allegations,” the group said.
It called for Immanuel’s immediate transfer to LASUTH and urged correctional authorities to provide him with appropriate medical care while the legal proceedings continue.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
