Foundation says detainee’s life at risk as July 16 order to transfer him to LASUTH remains unexecuted
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF), has raised an urgent alarm over alleged attempts to frustrate a Federal High Court order directing the immediate medical evacuation of a detainee, Ufuoma Joseph Immanuel, from the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, July 20, 2026, the foundation said the Enrolled Order was granted on July 16, 2026 in Suit No. FHC/LAG/FR/200/2026 for emergency medical evaluation and treatment.
However, TBF alleged that as of Monday morning, legal counsel to the applicants, Christian Wogu, Esq., was barred from accessing his client at Kirikiri to verify his medical condition. The foundation said the action contravenes Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees legal representation.
The foundation also said it received reports of “unauthorized attempts” to transfer the 2nd Applicant to medical facilities outside those specified in the court order.
“Under no circumstances must any citizen be allowed to perish in custody while a judicial directive for medical care exists,” TBF said.
To enforce compliance, the foundation said it had filed emergency applications including Form 48 Notice of Consequences of Disobedience and a Motion Ex Parte for an Order to Show Cause at the Federal High Court Registry on July 20, 2026. The applications are to be heard by the Vacation Judge.
In the notice, TBF put all public and military medical facilities on notice that LASUTH is the court-designated facility for Immanuel’s treatment as contained in the July 16 order.
The foundation further called on the leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Ministry of Interior to ensure strict compliance with the court directive “to uphold the rule of law and preserve human life.”
Background
TBF said it intervened in the matter following a complaint of severe custodial hardship arising from a civil dispute. According to the foundation, one of the parties was detained and his health has since deteriorated drastically.
The foundation said its intervention was to safeguard the detainee’s constitutional Right to Life.
About TBF
The Tunji Braithwaite Foundation was established to advance the legacy of Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, lawyer, politician and human rights advocate. The foundation focuses on legal advocacy, civic education and strategic interventions to promote access to justice and the rule of law.
