The family of detained businessman, Mr Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in his continued detention and ensure that he receives fair trial and humane treatment.

The Chappal Energies founder, Immanuel, is facing allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he and his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited (IIHL), obtained about $1.5 million from businessman Adebisi Adebutu and R28 Holdings Limited under false pretences. He has, however, pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The appeal followed fresh concerns raised by the Initiative for Media Development and Social Impact (IMEDSI) over Immanuel’s treatment while receiving medical care at a medical facility in Lagos.

IMEDSI, through its spokesperson, Ms Onose Oseyi, alleged that its representatives found Immanuel handcuffed to his hospital bed despite medical advice that he should move periodically to reduce the risk of complications associated with prolonged immobility.

The organisation also alleged that Immanuel’s lawyers and family had been denied access to him and expressed concern over the presence of correctional officers within or close to hearing distance during medical consultations.

IMEDSI said its intervention was not intended to determine Immanuel’s guilt or innocence or interfere with the judicial process, but to ensure that his rights to dignity, healthcare and access to legal representation were protected while the case is pending.

The group also raised allegations by Immanuel’s family of threats to his life, saying the claims had not been independently established but were serious enough to warrant clarification and investigation by the appropriate authorities.

IMEDSI further questioned aspects of the underlying dispute, which it described as involving contested shareholding and investment interests, while pointing to related corporate proceedings in Mauritius.

It stressed that the issues were ultimately for the relevant courts to determine.

The organisation appealed to Tinubu, the judiciary, EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure compliance with court orders, uninterrupted medical care and reasonable access to lawyers and family members.

It also urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other civil society groups to monitor the case independently and advised the media against prejudging the trial.