The Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF) has called on the Nigerian Correctional Service and relevant authorities to urgently comply with a subsisting Federal High Court order directing the medical evacuation of an inmate, warning that failure to act could endanger the individual’s life.

The foundation expressed concern over what it described as non-compliance with a July 16, 2026 order of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, which mandated the immediate transfer of Ufuoma Joseph Emmanuel from the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for emergency medical evaluation and treatment.

The foundation Director of Communication, Chino Obasi said the order remains unexecuted several days after it was granted, despite the reported deterioration in the inmate’s health condition.

He further alleged that as of July 20, legal counsel to the applicant, Christian Wogu, was denied access to his client at the custodial facility, a development it said raises concerns about adherence to constitutional guarantees, including the right to fair hearing.

The foundation also cited reports from family members indicating attempts to move the inmate to other medical facilities outside the terms specified by the court order.

Describing the situation as urgent, the foundation disclosed that it had filed additional applications before the Federal High Court, including a notice on the consequences of disobedience to court orders and a motion seeking to compel compliance.

The applications, It said, have been placed before a vacation judge for determination.

TBF explained that its intervention followed a complaint relating to a civil dispute that resulted in the detention of the individual, whose health condition has allegedly worsened in custody.

According to the organisation, its involvement is aimed at safeguarding fundamental rights, particularly the right to life, stressing that no detainee should be left without access to medical care where a valid court order exists.

The foundation also notified public and military medical institutions of the court’s directive, emphasising that LASUTH remains the designated facility for the inmate’s treatment.

While urging calm, TBF called on the leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Ministry of Interior to ensure full compliance with the court order, noting that respect for judicial directives is essential to upholding the rule of law.

The foundation reiterated its commitment to promoting justice and accountability, adding that it would continue to pursue all lawful measures to ensure that the court’s directive Is enforced and the inmate receives the required medical attention. (The Guardian)

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