The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) says the Nigerian Correctional Service must immediately stop the alleged degrading treatment of detained businessman, Mr Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, who is currently receiving medical treatment in a Lagos hospital.
HURIWA condemns the reported decision by correctional officials to handcuff Immanuel’s legs to his hospital bed, describing the action as excessive, degrading and unacceptable, particularly against a detainee undergoing treatment.
HURIWA says it earlier intervened after the Correctional Service failed to promptly enforce a Federal High Court order directing that Immanuel be taken to a standard medical facility.
Following that intervention, the Correctional Service eventually moved Immanuel to hospital, where he has now spent one week receiving treatment.
HURIWA says it is deeply disturbed that the same correctional authorities are now allegedly restricting his movement, preventing family visits and placing him in physical restraints while he remains under medical care.
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HURIWA investigator, Femi Ajala, visited the hospital and interviewed members of Immanuel’s family. The family confirmed that correctional officials have maintained a heavy security presence around the detainee.
HURIWA says the family initially accepted the security arrangements because their immediate priority was to ensure that Immanuel received the medical treatment ordered by the court.
HURIWA says the situation has now become unacceptable.
The association says Immanuel is reportedly being confined to his hospital room and prevented from moving around despite medical advice that he should be allowed appropriate movement during treatment.
HURIWA says it is particularly alarmed that his sister was reportedly informed that no visitors would be allowed to see him, while Immanuel was subsequently found handcuffed to his hospital bed.
HURIWA demands that the handcuffs be removed immediately.
HURIWA also demands that Immanuel be allowed reasonable movement in accordance with the advice of his doctors and that his immediate family members, particularly his sisters, be granted reasonable access to him.
HURIWA calls on the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to immediately investigate the conduct of the officers assigned to the hospital and explain the legal and medical basis for handcuffing a hospitalised detainee to his bed.
HURIWA equally calls on the Minister of Interior to intervene immediately and ensure that the Correctional Service obeys the court order and respects Immanuel’s fundamental rights while he remains in custody.
HURIWA says the presence of armed correctional officers must not be allowed to undermine medical treatment, family contact or the dignity of a hospitalised detainee.
HURIWA further demands that Immanuel be allowed appropriate privacy during consultations with his doctors and that custodial officers do not unnecessarily interfere with the doctor-patient relationship.
HURIWA stresses that this intervention has nothing to do with determining Immanuel’s guilt or innocence in the criminal proceedings before the courts. The courts will determine that matter.
HURIWA says its concern is the conduct of the Correctional Service and the treatment of a detainee who is currently in hospital under a court-directed medical arrangement.
HURIWA says detention does not cancel human dignity.
HURIWA says custody does not authorise degrading treatment.
HURIWA says a hospital bed must not become a place of unnecessary restraint and punishment.
HURIWA therefore demands, with immediate effect:
● Removal of the handcuffs from Immanuel’s hospital bed;
Freedom of movement consistent with medical advice;
● Reasonable access for his immediate family members;
● Respect for doctor-patient confidentiality; and
Full compliance with the relevant court order.
HURIWA warns that continued restrictions that have no clear lawful or medical justification would amount to a serious human rights concern requiring the intervention of relevant constitutional and human rights institutions.
HURIWA will continue to monitor the situation and hold the appropriate authorities accountable for the welfare and fundamental rights of Mr Ufoma Joseph Immanuel.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). Tuesday, September 8th 2026.
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