A lawyer and public policy analyst, Barrister Christopher Chidera, says the arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji is evidence that the prosecution of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu is politically motivated. According to the reports, Aghaji—an experienced cardiac surgeon and former Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Nigeria—was arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, on Friday, 3 July 2026. The lawyer links the arrest to work Aghaji previously did in Kanu’s matter, saying Aghaji produced an independent medical report on Kanu’s health that differed from an assessment presented in court by the Department of State Services (DSS). Chidera argues that the state is punishing what he describes as professional and ethical practice, and he calls the arrest intimidation rather than a lawful response. He further claims the move reflects efforts to maintain Kanu’s detention, which he says includes deteriorating health. The articles also note that, as of the time of reporting, authorities have not provided an official reason for Aghaji’s arrest.
Lawyer says arrest of Prof Aghaji supports claim of politically motivated case against Nnamdi Kanu
A lawyer and public policy analyst, Barrister Christopher Chidera, says the arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji is evidence that the prosecution of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nna...
- Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji is reported arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu on 3 July 2026.
- Barrister Christopher Chidera says Aghaji’s arrest follows his independent medical report on Nnamdi Kanu’s health that contradicted the DSS assessment presented in court.
- Chidera describes the arrest as intimidation and says it supports claims of politically motivated persecution rather than a purely legal action.
- The reports say no official reason for Aghaji’s arrest has been stated as of the time of publication.
- Chidera urges international and professional bodies, including the UK government and human rights groups, to call for the release of both Aghaji and Nnamdi Kanu.
A lawyer and public policy analyst, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has described the arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji as clear evidence that the case against Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is driven by political persecution rather than legal considerations. Professor Aghaji, a distinguished cardiac surgeon and former Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Nigeria, was arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, on Friday, July 3, 2026. He had earlier provided an independent medical report on Kanu’s health condition that contradicted the official assessment submitted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in court. In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Chidera, a member of the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Defense Consortium accused the Nigerian government of waging a war against truth and professional integrity. “Professor Aghaji’s only offence is that he did what any ethical physician of his stature would do, he issued an independent medical assessment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health that contradicted the self-serving narrative of the DSS,” he said. Chidera described the arrest as “a calculated declaration by the Nigerian state that truth itself is now a crime.” He highlighted Aghaji’s distinguished career, including nearly five decades as a surgeon and former President of the Nigerian Cardiac Society, arguing that such a professional should not face “crude, extra-judicial intimidation” for upholding medical ethics. The lawyer further claimed the development reveals that Kanu’s prolonged detention, reportedly involving solitary confinement and visible health deterioration, is not about justice but a determination to keep him imprisoned at all costs due to his advocacy for Biafran self-determination. Chidera called on the United Kingdom government to intervene, stating that Kanu cannot receive a fair hearing in Nigeria. He urged UK authorities, diplomatic missions in Nigeria, international human rights organisations like Amnesty International, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, and civil society groups to speak out and demand the immediate release of both Kanu and Professor Aghaji. “No world-renowned surgeon of Professor Aghaji’s calibre should be subjected to this… If they can come for Professor Aghaji today, they can come for any professional tomorrow,” he warned. As of the time of this report, no official reason has been provided by authorities for Professor Aghaji’s arrest. The development has sparked fresh concerns about the handling of Kanu’s case and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
1 month agoA lawyer and public policy analyst, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has described the arrest of a medical expert, Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, as proof that the “persecution” of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is politically motivated rather than a legal issue. Aghaji had issued an independent report on Kanu’s health condition […] Prof Aghaji’s arrest proof Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘persecution’ politically motivated – Lawyer
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