Concerns have emerged following reports of the arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a medical expert who allegedly conducted an independent medical assessment on the health condition of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to legal practitioner Chief Barrister Maxwell Opara, the professor was reportedly arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu State, on July 3, 2026. However, no official confirmation has been issued by security agencies or authorities regarding the alleged arrest.
Opara claimed that Prof. Aghaji had previously prepared an independent medical report on Kanu’s health, which allegedly contradicted earlier assessments presented by the Department of State Services (DSS). He said the development raises concerns about due process and urged relevant professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, and civil society organisations, to monitor the situation closely.
The lawyer did not disclose details about the agency involved in the reported arrest or whether any charges had been filed against the medical professor.
He, however, called for transparency and adherence to the rule of law, stressing that no individual should face intimidation for providing professional or independent medical opinions.
The development comes amid ongoing legal and medical debates surrounding Kanu’s health condition while in detention. Previous independent medical findings have reportedly raised concerns about his deteriorating health, including symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, blurred vision, and other complications linked to long-term hypertension.
Medical reports previously cited by the Nigerian Medical Association described a range of serious health challenges, warning that his condition may worsen without urgent medical attention.
As of the time of reporting, authorities including the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force have not issued any official statement regarding the alleged arrest.
