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.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com