A human rights lawyer, Barrister Maxwell Okpara, has raised the alarm over the reported arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, the medical expert who independently assessed the health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Okpara disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday that the renowned medical practitioner was allegedly arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, on Friday.
According to the lawyer, although the reason for Aghaji’s arrest has not been officially disclosed, the professor’s independent medical findings reportedly contradicted the health report earlier presented by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kanu’s ongoing trial.
“Information has reached me that Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, the medical expert who reportedly issued independent medical reports on the health condition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu State, on 3rd July, 2026,” Okpara said.
He added:
“Prof. Aghaji’s reported medical assessments were said to have countered the official medical report presented by the Department of State Services, DSS.”
Expressing concern over the development, Okpara called on key professional bodies and civil society organisations to intervene and ensure that the professor’s rights are protected.
He urged the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups and other relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is handled in accordance with the law.
“We call on the Nigerian Medical Association, Nigeria Bar Association, Civil Society Group and other relevant authorities to ensure that due process and the rule of law is strictly observed and nobody should be intimidated for speaking the truth,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, no security agency had officially confirmed Professor Aghaji’s arrest or disclosed the circumstances surrounding the alleged operation. Likewise, no formal charges have been announced against the medical expert.
