Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Martin Aghaji
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged mistreatment of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Martin Aghaji, describing the incident as a disturbing example of the growing disregard for the rule of law and respect for citizens in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on Saturday, Obi expressed concern over what he called the humiliating treatment meted out to the 74-year-old medical expert, saying the incident reflected a worrying trend of abuse by security agencies.
According to Obi, Professor Aghaji was neither invited for questioning nor contacted before security operatives reportedly stormed his residence at Independent Layout, Enugu, around 2 a.m., arrested him in the presence of his visiting daughter, and transported him to Lagos.
Obi said the professor, who is internationally respected for his contributions to medicine and academia, was detained for three days before authorities reportedly admitted the arrest was made in error.
“Every day in this country, we find ourselves in a bizarre situation that we find difficult to understand: where we are and how we got to this uncivilised behaviour and rascality. Worse still, when you try to bring these abnormalities to the attention of those concerned, they resort to abuse instead of appreciation,” Obi said.
He added that Professor Aghaji deserved respect because of both his age and his immense contributions to national development, while stressing that every Nigerian, regardless of status, is entitled to lawful and dignified treatment.
“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. 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 further criticised the handling of the case, noting that after the alleged midnight raid, transportation from Enugu to Lagos and three days in custody, the only explanation reportedly given to the professor was: “Sorry, we made a mistake.”
The former Anambra State governor warned that such actions could discourage highly skilled professionals from remaining in Nigeria, worsening the country’s healthcare challenges and accelerating the migration of experts abroad.
He said the public reaction to the incident underscored growing concerns over the conduct of security agencies and the need to balance law enforcement with the protection of citizens’ rights and professional integrity.
Obi also recalled a similar incident involving a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom State, which sparked outrage within the medical community and prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike before the matter was resolved with a public apology.
He cautioned that treating respected professionals—or any Nigerian—as criminals without due process poses a serious threat to the country’s justice system.
“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.”
