A Lagos inmate suffering repeated seizures and severe high blood pressure remains in custody despite a court order directing that he be taken to hospital for urgent medical treatment, according to the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF).
The inmate, Ufuoma Joseph Immanuel, is being held at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre while facing trial.
His condition has drawn concern from the human rights organisation, which says he needs immediate specialist care to stay alive and continue his court case.
TBF's Director of Legal Aid and Welfare, Christian Wogu, said the foundation approached the court after visiting the inmate and reviewing his medical condition.
"We are not talking about release," Wogu said.
"It is an evacuation within as much security as the authorities want.
"It is somebody that is alive that can actually stand trial."
According to Wogu, the Federal High Court granted an order on 16th July directing that Ufuoma be moved to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
However, he said the order has not been carried out, prompting the foundation to return to court to seek compliance.
Wogu said TBF is not representing Ufuoma in his criminal case but stepped in to protect his right to life and access to medical care.
He added that the group hopes authorities will comply with the court order before the inmate's condition worsens.
Nigeria's correctional centres continue to face serious overcrowding.
Official Nigerian Correctional Service figures show the country's custodial centres hold more than 80,000 inmates, with roughly two-thirds awaiting trial rather than serving prison sentences. Human rights organisations have long warned that overcrowding, delayed trials and limited access to healthcare expose many detainees to preventable illness and death.
Wogu said the foundation will continue seeking legal enforcement of the court order while also assisting other inmates facing similar medical emergencies.
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