Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged humiliation of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Martin Aghaji, describing the incident as another disturbing example of the abuse of citizens’ rights by security agencies.
Obi, in a statement on Saturday, expressed outrage over reports that security operatives stormed the 74-year-old professor’s residence in Independent Layout, Enugu, at about 2 a.m., arrested him in the presence of his visiting daughter, and transported him to Lagos, where he was reportedly detained for three days before being informed that his arrest had been a mistake.
He faulted the manner in which the operation was carried out, insisting that Professor Aghaji was neither invited nor contacted before armed operatives allegedly invaded his home in the middle of the night.
According to Obi, such treatment was not only disrespectful to a distinguished scholar and medical expert but also a violation of the dignity every Nigerian deserves, irrespective of age, profession or social status.
“Professor Martin Aghaji is an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, an accomplished academic and an elder statesman whose contributions to medicine and national development have earned him widespread respect. While his age and distinguished service deserve special consideration, the fundamental issue is even broader: every Nigerian is entitled to dignity, respect and due process under the law,” Obi stated.
He described it as unacceptable that after the trauma of the midnight raid, his transfer from Enugu to Lagos and three days in detention, the only explanation reportedly given to the professor was: “Sorry, we made a mistake.”
The former Anambra State governor warned that incidents of this nature could worsen Nigeria’s growing brain drain, particularly in the health sector, as professionals may increasingly lose confidence in the country’s institutions.
Obi said the public reaction to the incident reflected widespread concern over what he described as the growing disregard for professional integrity and citizens’ fundamental rights by some security agencies.
He recalled a similar incident involving a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom State, which nearly resulted in a nationwide strike by the Nigeria Medical Association before authorities eventually issued a public apology.
“The practice of treating respected professionals—and indeed any Nigerian—like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors,” Obi said.
He urged security agencies to exercise restraint, professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” he added.