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

The rights group described the reported restraint of Immanuel’s legs to his hospital bed as degrading and excessive, insisting that his detention should not deprive him of dignity or access to appropriate medical care.

HURIWA said its intervention had earlier led to the eventual transfer of Immanuel to a standard medical facility after the Nigerian Correctional Service allegedly failed to promptly comply with a Federal High Court order directing that he be taken to hospital.

According to the association, Immanuel has now spent about a week in the hospital under the supervision of correctional officers.

However, HURIWA said it was disturbed by reports that the detainee had been confined to his hospital room, denied access to family members and subjected to physical restraints despite being under medical care.

The association in a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said its investigator, Femi Ajala, visited the hospital and spoke with members of Immanuel’s family, who confirmed that correctional officers had maintained a heavy security presence around him.

HURIWA said the family initially accepted the security arrangements because their priority was to ensure that Immanuel received the treatment ordered by the court.

It, however, said the situation had become unacceptable following the alleged restrictions on his movement and family visits.

According to the group, Immanuel’s sister was reportedly informed that visitors would not be allowed to see him, after being handcuffed to his hospital bed.

HURIWA said it was particularly concerned that the restrictions were reportedly imposed despite medical advice that Immanuel should be allowed appropriate movement during his treatment.

The association therefore called for the immediate removal of the handcuffs and urged the Correctional Service to allow Immanuel reasonable movement in line with his doctors’ advice.

It also demanded reasonable access for his immediate family, particularly his sisters, as well as appropriate privacy during medical consultations.

HURIWA called on 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.

It also urged the Minister of Interior to intervene and ensure that the Correctional Service complies fully with the court order while respecting Immanuel’s fundamental rights.

The rights group stressed that the presence of armed correctional officers should not interfere unnecessarily with medical treatment, family contact or the dignity of a person receiving care.

It further insisted that custodial officers must respect doctor-patient confidentiality and avoid unnecessary interference with the relationship between Immanuel and his medical team.

HURIWA clarified that its intervention was not intended to determine Immanuel’s guilt or innocence in the criminal proceedings against him, saying that responsibility rests with the courts.

“Detention does not cancel human dignity. Custody does not authorise degrading treatment,” the association said, adding that a hospital bed should not become a place of unnecessary restraint or punishment.

HURIWA warned that continued restrictions without clear legal or medical justification would constitute a serious human rights concern and could warrant 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 while he remains in custody.