Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Prof. Martin Aghaji, describing the operation as a humiliating abuse of power that underscores the growing disregard for the rule of law and human dignity in Nigeria.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, July 11, 2026, criticised security agencies over the treatment of the 74-year-old medical expert, who was reportedly arrested in Enugu and later released after authorities admitted they had made a mistake.
The former Anambra State governor said the incident reflected a disturbing pattern of uncivilised conduct by state institutions, lamenting that those who speak against such excesses are often vilified rather than appreciated.
“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 stated.
According to him, security operatives stormed Prof. Aghaji’s residence at Independent Layout, Enugu, around 2 a.m., arrested him in the presence of his visiting daughter and took him to Lagos without first inviting or contacting him.
“Just this morning, my attention was drawn to the disrespectful and humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of Professor Martin Aghaji, a distinguished 74-year-old medical expert. This man was not invited, nor was any direct contact made with him. Instead, they invaded his home at Independent Layout, Enugu, in the dead of the night, at 2 a.m., to arrest him in front of his visiting daughter,” he said.
Obi argued that the respected surgeon deserved to be treated with dignity, stressing that every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, is entitled to fair treatment under the law.
“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. After the humiliation of breaking into his house and whisking him away from Enugu to Lagos for three days, all he got was, ‘Sorry, we made a mistake,'” he added.
The NDC presidential candidate warned that incidents of such nature could further fuel the exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria and worsen the country’s already fragile healthcare system.
“The public outcry concerning the state’s handling of Professor Aghaji’s case highlights a wider conflict between the actions of state security agencies and the imperative to safeguard professional integrity and individual dignity.
“Such conduct directed at a 74-year-old might not only exacerbate the critical ‘brain drain’ but also severely damage the country’s already precarious healthcare infrastructure,” Obi stated.
He recalled a similar incident involving the arrest of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom State, which provoked the Nigerian Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike before authorities apologised.
“This incident brings to mind the similar mistreatment of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike. Fortunately, due to prompt intervention, a formal public apology was issued to the affected doctor,” he noted.
Obi maintained that the repeated humiliation of respected professionals and ordinary citizens alike undermines public confidence in the justice system and weakens the nation’s democratic values.
“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,” he concluded.
