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…As Rights Group Demands Immediate Transfer Of Ufoma Immanuel To LASUTH, Warns Against ‘Playing Politics With Human Life’
LAGOS — The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over the continued detention of Abuja-based businessman, Mr. Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, despite a Federal High Court order directing his immediate transfer to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for medical treatment.
The rights group warned that the alleged failure to comply with the judicial directive has elevated the matter from a routine criminal proceeding to a major test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial authority and the protection of fundamental human rights.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, demanded the immediate intervention of the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure that the court order is obeyed without further delay.
According to HURIWA, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, who is being held at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos, has been suffering from deteriorating health, prompting the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF) to formally alert correctional authorities on July 10 and demand urgent medical intervention.
The organisation said the alleged failure of the authorities to respond appropriately forced TBF to approach the Federal High Court.
HURIWA said Justice D. E. Osiagor subsequently ordered on July 16 that Immanuel be immediately transferred to LASUTH for medical treatment.
But, according to the rights group, the directive has allegedly remained unimplemented.
‘Court Orders Are Commands, Not Suggestions’
HURIWA described the alleged non-compliance as deeply troubling, warning that government agencies cannot pick and choose which judicial directives to obey.
“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 declared.
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 called for immediate administrative action to secure compliance with the judicial directive, insisting that no government institution should undermine the authority of the courts.
The rights group also demanded an independent investigation into allegations that correctional officials may have been improperly influenced to prevent or delay Immanuel’s transfer to hospital.
It nevertheless stressed that any allegation of bribery or improper influence remains unproven and must be subjected to an independent investigation before responsibility is assigned.
Business Dispute Turns Criminal? HURIWA Demands Answers
HURIWA also questioned the circumstances surrounding the criminal case involving Immanuel.
The group said its understanding was that the controversy originated from a commercial disagreement involving Immanuel and another businessman, identified as Mr. Adebutu, over business and shareholding interests.
According to the organisation, the dispute subsequently resulted in action by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to Immanuel’s continued detention.
HURIWA questioned whether a dispute with commercial origins should result in prolonged criminal detention, particularly where the accused has not been convicted.
However, the organisation acknowledged that it is ultimately for the courts to determine the legal character of the dispute and the validity of the criminal allegations.
The group urged all parties to allow the judicial process to determine the matter while ensuring that Immanuel’s constitutional rights are not sacrificed in the process.
Bail Denials, Passport Seizure, Frozen Accounts Raise Fresh Concerns
HURIWA also expressed concern over reports of repeated denial of bail and allegations that Immanuel’s international passport had been seized.
The group further cited claims that his bank accounts, as well as accounts belonging to his wife, had been frozen.
It called on the courts and relevant authorities to ensure that every restriction imposed on the accused is grounded in law and consistent with fair hearing, due process and constitutional protections.
“An accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court,” HURIWA said, warning that the presumption of innocence must not become merely a constitutional phrase with no practical meaning.
‘Only The Living Can Defend Themselves’
For HURIWA, however, the most immediate issue is Immanuel’s reported health condition.
The rights group warned that keeping a seriously ill detainee away from a medical facility despite an alleged court directive for hospital treatment could compromise both his wellbeing and his ability to participate meaningfully in his defence.
“Only the living can face justice. Only the living can defend themselves against criminal allegations,” HURIWA declared.
The group consequently demanded the immediate transfer of Immanuel to LASUTH and called on the correctional authorities to provide him with appropriate medical care throughout the duration of the legal proceedings.
HURIWA: ‘Nigeria Must Not Normalise Disregard For Court Orders’
HURIWA warned that the Immanuel case should not become another example of prolonged detention, delayed medical attention and alleged disregard for due process.
The organisation said allowing such a situation to persist could weaken public confidence in the judiciary and create the dangerous impression that court orders can be ignored by government institutions.
It therefore urged the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and all other relevant authorities to intervene immediately.
“Justice cannot be meaningful if the person standing trial is denied the basic conditions necessary to remain alive, healthy and capable of defending himself,” the organisation maintained.
HURIWA stressed that it was not asking authorities to determine Immanuel’s innocence or guilt, but to ensure that the legal process is conducted within the boundaries of the Constitution and the rule of law.
The group said the appropriate place for the determination of the allegations against Ufoma Joseph Immanuel remains the court, but insisted that no criminal allegation can extinguish an accused person’s fundamental rights or make a valid court order optional.
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