NIGERIA— Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the manner in which security operatives arrested Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a renowned 74-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Obi described the incident as a “disheartening humiliation” that reflects a growing disregard for the rule of law and the dignity of Nigerian citizens.
According to Obi, Professor Aghaji was not invited or contacted beforehand. Instead, security agents raided his residence at Independent Layout, Enugu, at about 2:00 a.m., arresting him in the presence of his visiting daughter. He was subsequently taken to Lagos and detained for three days before being released with the explanation that authorities had made a mistake.
“As an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, esteemed academic, and elder statesman, Professor Aghaji warrants a considerable degree of respect, both because of his advanced age and his substantial contributions to our nation,” Obi wrote. “More importantly, however, every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law.”
Obi warned that such incidents could worsen Nigeria’s medical brain drain and further damage the country’s fragile healthcare system. He drew parallels with a similar case involving a doctor in Akwa Ibom State, which nearly triggered a nationwide strike by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) before an apology was issued.
The Labour Party leader called for greater civility in the discharge of public duties and respect for the rule of law, stating that “a superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed possible.”
The arrest of Prof. Aghaji, reportedly linked to his role as a medical expert who provided an independent health assessment regarding detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has also drawn condemnation from the Enugu State branch of the NMA and other stakeholders.
As of now, there has been no official comment from the security agencies involved regarding the specifics of the operation.
