Family Alleges Inhumane Treatment of Detained Businessman

The family of Mr Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, a detained businessman, has raised serious concerns regarding his treatment while in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Immanuel, who is facing prosecution over a disputed $1.5 million oil deal, has reportedly been handcuffed to his hospital bed at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), with guards preventing him from moving, despite medical advice to walk to avoid blood clots.

The Initiative for Media Development and Social Impact (IMEDSI), representing the family, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, the EFCC, and the judiciary, demanding humane treatment and a fair trial. They allege threats to Immanuel's life, including a claim that Adebisi Adebutu, a businessman involved in the dispute, stated Immanuel would die in Kirikiri prison if he did not surrender his shares.

IMEDSI emphasized that their intervention is not to determine Immanuel's guilt but to ensure his health and dignity are protected during the legal process.