Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi condemns the arrest and subsequent release of Professor Martin Aghaji, a 74-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon alleged to be linked to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Obi says the incident, which he describes as “disheartening,” reflects what he calls a growing disregard for the rule of law and human dignity in Nigeria. In a post on X on Saturday, Obi alleges that security operatives stormed Aghaji’s residence in Independent Layout, Enugu at about 2 a.m., taking him away in the presence of his visiting daughter without first inviting or contacting him. He further claims Aghaji was transported to Lagos and held for three days before being released with an apology, with officials reportedly telling him they made a mistake. Obi also links the episode to a broader pattern of conduct by security agencies that, in his view, undermines professional integrity and may worsen issues such as brain drain and pressure on the healthcare system. He references a similar past incident in Akwa Ibom that led the Nigeria Medical Association to consider industrial action, later resolved with a public apology.
Peter Obi condemns arrest and release of Nnamdi Kanu’s doctor
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi condemns the arrest and subsequent release of Professor Martin Aghaji, a 74-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon alleged to be linked to d...
- Peter Obi, an NDC presidential candidate, condemns the arrest and release of Professor Martin Aghaji.
- Obi says Aghaji is a 74-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon alleged to be linked to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
- Obi alleges security operatives arrested Aghaji at about 2 a.m. at his Enugu residence without prior contact.
- Obi says Aghaji is taken to Lagos, detained for three days, then released with an apology.
- Obi describes the incident as undermining the rule of law and human dignity.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest and subsequent release of Professor Martin Aghaji, describing the incident as “disheartening” and a reflection of growing disregard for the rule of law and human dignity in Nigeria. Obi made the remarks in a post on X on Saturday while reacting to the treatment of Aghaji, a 74-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon, who has been identified as a doctor linked to detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. According to Obi, security operatives allegedly stormed the professor’s residence at Independent Layout in Enugu around 2 a.m. and arrested him in the presence of his visiting daughter without first inviting or contacting him. He said the medical expert, whom he described as an internationally recognised surgeon, respected academic and elder statesman, deserved to be treated with dignity and in line with the rule of law. Obi alleged that after Aghaji was taken from Enugu to Lagos and detained for three days, he was eventually released with an apology, claiming officials told him they had made a mistake. The former Anambra State governor said the incident reflected a broader pattern of conduct by security agencies that undermines professional integrity and individual dignity. He warned that such treatment of respected professionals could worsen the country’s brain drain and further weaken Nigeria’s healthcare system. Obi also recalled a similar incident involving a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom State, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike before the matter was resolved with a public apology. “The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals – and indeed any Nigerian – like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed Possible,” Obi said.
3 hours agoPresidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest and subsequent release of Professor Martin Aghaji, describing the incident as “disheartening” and a reflection of growing disregard for the rule of law and human dignity in Nigeria. Obi made the remarks in a post on X on Saturday while reacting to the […] Disheartening – Peter Obi speaks on arrest of Nnamdi Kanu’s doctor
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