KEY POINTS

• Immanuel’s family alleges he is handcuffed to his LASUTH hospital bed despite doctors advising periodic movement.
• IMEDSI is demanding his restraints be removed and that he receive confidential medical, legal and family access.
• Immanuel, who pleaded not guilty to the EFCC’s $1.5m fraud-related allegations, is due back in court on September 10.

The family of energy executive Ufoma Joseph Immanuel has raised concerns over his treatment while in custody, alleging that he has been handcuffed to his hospital bed at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, despite medical advice that he should move around periodically.

Immanuel, the Chief Executive Officer of Chappal Energies, is currently receiving treatment at LASUTH Private Ward 7 while facing trial over allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the family, Immanuel has remained handcuffed to his hospital bed, restricting his movement while undergoing medical treatment.

The family said doctors had advised him to walk periodically to reduce the risk of blood clots associated with prolonged immobility.

The alleged use of restraints in the hospital has prompted fresh concerns over his welfare, with the family questioning whether the security measures are compatible with his medical needs.

The Initiative for Media Development and Social Impact (IMEDSI) has condemned the alleged treatment and called for the immediate removal of the restraints.

The organisation said its representatives who visited Immanuel at LASUTH found him handcuffed to his hospital bed and unable to move freely.

IMEDSI spokesperson Onose Oseyi described the alleged treatment as inhuman and degrading, particularly because Immanuel has not been convicted of any offence.

The group demanded an explanation from the authorities over who authorised the decision to keep him restrained while receiving medical care.

IMEDSI also raised concerns over alleged restrictions on Immanuel’s access to his lawyers, family members and doctors.

The organisation said that although he had been transferred to LASUTH in accordance with a Federal High Court order directing that he receive medical treatment, his family and lawyers were allegedly still being denied access to him.

It further alleged that Immanuel had not been allowed to consult his doctors privately.

According to the group, correctional officers allegedly remain inside or within hearing distance of the consultation room during medical discussions.

IMEDSI questioned the medical or security justification for keeping custodial officers within the consultation area instead of outside it.

Executive facing $1.5m EFCC case

Immanuel is standing trial before the Lagos State Special Offences Court over allegations that he and his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited (IIHL), obtained about $1.5 million from a businessman under false pretences.

He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which remain before the court.

IMEDSI stressed that its intervention was not intended to determine Immanuel’s guilt or innocence or interfere with the judicial process.

Instead, the organisation said it was concerned about ensuring that his rights, dignity and health were protected while he remained in custody.

The family also alleged that Immanuel approached the Department of State Services (DSS) in February 2026 to report threats allegedly made against him.

According to the family, he was instead detained by the DSS before subsequently being transferred to EFCC custody.

IMEDSI said the circumstances surrounding the sequence of events deserved independent clarification.

The organisation further alleged that Immanuel had repeatedly been denied bail and was once removed from LASUTH in the middle of the night.

It said the allegations raised broader concerns about the treatment of a suspect who remains legally presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case has been adjourned until Thursday, September 10, 2026.

IMEDSI said its demands now go beyond securing medical treatment for Immanuel.

The group wants him to have uninterrupted access to medical care, confidential consultations with doctors, access to his family and legal representatives, and freedom from restraints that medical professionals consider harmful to his treatment.

It also called for independent confirmation of his diagnosis and treatment plan.

The organisation appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the judiciary, the EFCC and the Correctional Service to ensure that court orders concerning Immanuel’s medical care are obeyed.

It also urged authorities to ensure that custodial arrangements do not prevent him from accessing his lawyers, family or medical professionals privately.

IMEDSI further called on the National Human Rights Commission and other civil society organisations to independently monitor the case.

The controversy has renewed concerns about the treatment of detainees undergoing medical care and the need to balance legitimate security measures with the rights, dignity and health of suspects awaiting trial.