HURIWA demands immediate hospital transfer for detained Abuja businessman

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over the health condition of Abuja-based businessman, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, and demanded his immediate transfer from the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for medical treatment.

The rights group said its demand followed an alleged failure by correctional authorities to comply with an order of the Federal High Court directing that Immanuel be transferred to LASUTH for urgent medical attention.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, HURIWA said the matter had gone beyond a routine detention case, describing it as an issue involving the detainee’s health, liberty and fundamental rights.

According to the group, Immanuel and his business partner, identified as Mr Adebutu, had been involved in a business disagreement before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought criminal proceedings against him.

HURIWA expressed concern over what it described as prolonged detention and repeated denial of bail, despite its position that the alleged offences are ordinarily bailable.

The organisation said 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 medical facility.

Following what HURIWA described as an alleged failure to act, the foundation 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.

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The rights group, however, alleged that the directive had yet to be fully complied with.

It further disclosed that TBF had served a Form 48 on the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, warning of the legal consequences of alleged disobedience of the court order.

‘Court Order Is Not Optional’

HURIWA said the alleged non-compliance with the court directive raised serious questions about adherence to the rule of law within the correctional system.

“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 organisation said.

It called on the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to intervene immediately and ensure that the court’s directive is implemented.

HURIWA also called for an independent investigation into allegations that correctional officials may have been improperly influenced to prevent Immanuel’s transfer to LASUTH.

The group stressed, however, that any allegation of bribery remained an allegation and should be independently investigated before conclusions are reached.

Group Questions Prolonged Detention

HURIWA also raised questions over the nature of the criminal case against Immanuel, saying its understanding was that the dispute originated from commercial dealings involving business and shareholding interests.

The group questioned whether a disagreement arising from commercial transactions should result in prolonged criminal detention.

It acknowledged that determining the proper legal character of the dispute remained the responsibility of the court and urged all parties to allow the judicial process to run its course.

HURIWA, however, insisted that Immanuel’s constitutional rights must be protected throughout the proceedings.

The organisation reminded the authorities that an accused person remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

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

The rights group urged the court and relevant authorities to ensure that all restrictions imposed on the accused were lawful and consistent with fair hearing and due process.

‘Only the Living Can Defend Themselves’

HURIWA said Immanuel’s reported health condition remained its most immediate concern, warning that prolonged detention without access to adequate medical care could have serious consequences.

“Only the living can face justice. Only the living can defend themselves against criminal allegations,” the group said.

It therefore demanded Immanuel’s immediate transfer to LASUTH in compliance with the Federal High Court order and urged correctional authorities to ensure that he receives appropriate medical care while the case continues.

HURIWA warned that the case should not become another example of prolonged detention, delayed medical treatment and alleged disregard for due process undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

The organisation urged the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant authorities to act without further delay to safeguard Immanuel’s health and ensure compliance with the court’s directive.

The statement was signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.