By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate removal of handcuffs allegedly placed on detained businessman, Mr Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, while receiving medical treatment at a Lagos hospital.

HURIWA made the demand in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, describing the reported treatment of Immanuel by correctional officials as degrading and unacceptable.

According to the rights group, Immanuel was moved to the hospital after it intervened over what it said was the Nigerian Correctional Service’s failure to promptly comply with a Federal High Court order directing that he be taken to a standard medical facility.

HURIWA said Immanuel had spent about one week in the hospital but alleged that correctional authorities had since restricted his movement, limited family visits and placed restraints on him while undergoing treatment.

“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,” the association said.

The group said its investigator, Femi Ajala, visited the hospital and interviewed members of Immanuel’s family, who reportedly confirmed the presence of a heavy security detail around the detainee.

According to HURIWA, the family initially accepted the security arrangements because its immediate concern was to ensure that Immanuel received the medical attention ordered by the court.

The association, however, said the situation had become unacceptable after Immanuel was allegedly confined to his hospital room despite medical advice that he should be allowed appropriate movement during treatment.

HURIWA further alleged that Immanuel’s sister was informed that visitors would not be allowed to see him, after which the detainee was reportedly found handcuffed to his hospital bed.

“HURIWA demands that the handcuffs be removed immediately,” the group said.

It also called for Immanuel to be allowed reasonable movement consistent with his doctors’ advice and for his immediate family, particularly his sisters, to have reasonable access to him.

The association urged the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to investigate the conduct of the officers assigned to the hospital and explain the legal and medical basis for restraining a hospitalised detainee to his bed.

HURIWA also called on the Minister of Interior to intervene and ensure that the Correctional Service complies with the relevant court order and respects Immanuel’s fundamental rights while he remains in custody.

“The presence of armed correctional officers must not be allowed to undermine medical treatment, family contact or the dignity of a hospitalised detainee,” it said.

The rights group further demanded that Immanuel be given appropriate privacy during consultations with his doctors, arguing that custodial officers should not unnecessarily interfere with the doctor-patient relationship.

HURIWA stressed that its intervention was not aimed at determining whether Immanuel was guilty or innocent of the criminal allegations against him.

“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,” the association said.

It maintained that being in custody did not remove a detainee’s right to human dignity.

“Detention does not cancel human dignity. Custody does not authorise degrading treatment. A hospital bed must not become a place of unnecessary restraint and punishment,” HURIWA said.

The association consequently demanded the immediate removal of the handcuffs, freedom of movement consistent with medical advice, reasonable access for Immanuel’s immediate family, respect for doctor-patient confidentiality and full compliance with the relevant court order.

HURIWA warned that continued restrictions without clear legal or medical justification would constitute a serious human rights concern requiring intervention by relevant constitutional and human rights institutions.

The association said it would continue to monitor the situation and hold the appropriate authorities accountable for the welfare and fundamental rights of Immanuel.