The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over the continued detention of Mr Ufoma Joseph Immanuel at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos, despite a Federal High Court order directing his immediate transfer to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for medical treatment.
HURIWA said the matter has gone beyond a routine detention issue because it concerns the health, liberty and fundamental rights of a detainee who is yet to be convicted.
According to the association, the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF), which has been monitoring Ufuoma’s case, first alerted correctional authorities on July 10, 2026, about his deteriorating health and requested his urgent transfer to a hospital.
Following the alleged failure to act, TBF approached the Federal High Court.
HURIWA said Justice D. E. Osiagor subsequently ordered on July 16, 2026, that Ufuoma be immediately transferred to LASUTH for medical treatment.
The association expressed concern that the order has allegedly not been complied with.
HURIWA said TBF has also served a Form 48 on the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, warning of the consequences of alleged disobedience of the court order.
‘A Court Order Is Not Optional’
HURIWA said the alleged failure to comply with the court directive raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law within the correctional system.
The rights group called on the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to intervene immediately and ensure compliance with the court order.
“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 group also called for an independent investigation into any allegation that correctional officials were improperly influenced to prevent Ufuoma’s medical transfer.
HURIWA stressed that any allegation of bribery remains an allegation and should be independently investigated before any conclusion is reached.
HURIWA Questions Criminalisation of Commercial Dispute
HURIWA also expressed concern about the nature of the case against Ufoma.
The association said its understanding is that the dispute arose from commercial dealings involving business and shareholding interests, and questioned why what it considers a commercial dispute should result in prolonged criminal detention.
However, HURIWA acknowledged that determining the proper legal character of the case is the responsibility of the court.
The group urged all parties to allow the judicial process to determine the dispute while ensuring that Ufoma’s constitutional rights are protected.
HURIWA 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 Ufoma’s passport has been seized and his bank accounts, together with those of his wife, frozen.
It urged the court and relevant authorities to ensure that all restrictions imposed on the accused are lawful and consistent with the principles of fair hearing and due process.
‘Only the Living Can Defend Themselves’
HURIWA said Ufuoma’s health remains the most urgent concern.
The association warned that keeping a seriously ill detainee away from a medical facility ordered by a court 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.
HURIWA therefore demanded the immediate transfer of Ufuoma to LASUTH in compliance with the Federal High Court order.
It also urged the correctional authorities to provide him with adequate medical care while the legal proceedings continue.
The association said the case should not become another example of how prolonged detention, delayed medical care 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.
Tags: HURIWA Ufuoma Immanuel health
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