Enugu NMA demands answers from DSS, police over surgeon arrest

The Enugu State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association has strongly condemned the arrest of an internationally acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeon, Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji.

Prof. Aghaji was reportedly arrested at his residence in Enugu in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 2026.

In a communiqué issued on Saturday at the end of an emergency meeting of its State Officers’ Council and released to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, the NMA said the specific reasons for the medical icon’s arrest had not been officially communicated by security agencies.

The communiqué, jointly signed by the NMA Enugu State Chairman, Dr. Sunday Okafor, and the General Secretary, Dr. Chima Edoga, said the association had launched extensive engagements with relevant government and security authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the medical body, offices contacted include the Office of the Security Adviser to the Enugu State Governor, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force through the Divisional Police Officer, Independence Layout Division, and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police.

Expressing deep concern over the development, the NMA maintained that while it recognises the constitutional duties of law enforcement agencies, due process and human dignity must be respected.

The communiqué read in part, “The State Officers’ Council resolved to strongly condemn the manner in which Emeritus Professor Martin A.C. Aghaji, an internationally acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeon, renowned academic, distinguished statesman and one of Nigeria’s foremost medical icons, was reportedly taken from his residence.

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“While recognizing the constitutional responsibilities of security agencies, the Council maintains that every citizen deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with due process.”

The association further disclosed that it had notified its national leadership and was taking steps to protect the constitutional rights of the elder statesman.

“We will continue engaging all relevant authorities with a view to securing the immediate release of Professor Aghaji or ensuring that his constitutional rights are fully protected, including access to his family, legal representation and necessary medical care where applicable,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the NMA announced plans to convene an emergency general meeting of all its members to deliberate on the matter and determine its next line of professional and lawful action.

While urging its members to remain calm, united and vigilant, the NMA leadership assured that every legitimate effort was being deployed to ensure the safety and welfare of the high-profile surgeon.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has distanced itself from the arrest.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who spoke to our correspondent on the issue, said, “The Command didn’t make such an arrest, neither do we have the mentioned name in our custody.”