HURIWA Demands Immediate Hospital Transfer for Detained Abuja Businessman

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over the deteriorating health of an Abuja-based businessman, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, detained at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos.

The rights group is demanding his immediate transfer to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), in compliance with a Federal High Court order directing that he receive medical treatment at the facility.

In a statement signed on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the organisation said the matter had gone beyond a routine detention case, as it involved the health, liberty and fundamental rights of a detainee who has not been convicted.

According to HURIWA, the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF), which has been monitoring Immanuel’s case, first alerted correctional authorities on July 10, 2026, about his deteriorating health and requested his urgent transfer to a hospital.

The group said after the alleged failure of the authorities to act, TBF approached the Federal High Court.

HURIWA said Justice D. E. Osiagor subsequently ordered on July 16, 2026, that Immanuel be immediately transferred to LASUTH for medical treatment.

The association, however, alleged that the court order had yet to be complied with.

It added that 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 directive.

‘Court Order Is Not Optional’

HURIWA expressed concern that the alleged failure to comply with the directive could undermine respect for the rule of law within the correctional system.

The organisation called on the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to intervene immediately and ensure that the court order is obeyed.

“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.

The rights group also called for an independent investigation into allegations that correctional officials may have been improperly influenced to prevent Immanuel’s medical transfer.

It stressed, however, that any allegation of bribery remains an allegation and should be independently investigated before any conclusion is reached.

HURIWA Questions Prolonged Detention

HURIWA also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the case against Immanuel.

The association said its understanding was that the dispute originated from commercial dealings involving business and shareholding interests, and questioned why what it described as a commercial disagreement had allegedly resulted in prolonged criminal detention.

The group acknowledged that determining the legal character of the dispute remains the responsibility of the court.

It urged all parties to allow the judicial process to run its course while ensuring that Immanuel’s constitutional rights are protected.

HURIWA further reminded the authorities that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

The association also expressed concern over reports of repeated denial of bail, as well as claims that Immanuel’s passport had been seized and his bank accounts, alongside those of his wife, frozen.

It urged the court and relevant authorities to ensure that any restrictions imposed on the accused are lawful and consistent with fair hearing and due process.

‘Only the Living Can Defend Themselves’

HURIWA said Immanuel’s health remains its most urgent concern.

The group warned that keeping a seriously ill detainee away from a medical facility despite an existing court directive 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 organisation said.

HURIWA therefore demanded Immanuel’s immediate transfer to LASUTH in compliance with the Federal High Court order.

It also urged correctional authorities to provide him with adequate medical care while the legal proceedings continue.

The rights group said the case should not become another example of how prolonged detention, delayed medical attention and alleged disregard for due process could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

HURIWA called on the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant authorities to act without further delay.