The Enugu State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the arrest of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, calling for his immediate release or the protection of his constitutional rights.
Aghaji was reportedly arrested at his residence in Enugu in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 2026. However, the specific circumstances surrounding his arrest have not been officially disclosed by security agencies.
The association’s position was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of its State Officers’ Council on Saturday. The communiqué, jointly signed by the NMA Enugu State Chairman, Dr Sunday Okafor, and the General Secretary, Dr Chima Edoga, was released to journalists in Enugu on Sunday.
According to the NMA, it has commenced engagements with relevant government and security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The association said it had reached out to 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, as well as the Enugu State Commissioner of Police.
Condemning the manner of the arrest, the communiqué stated, “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.
“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 medical association said it had also notified its national leadership and would continue to pursue every lawful means to safeguard the rights of the renowned surgeon.
“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 communiqué added.
The NMA also announced plans to convene an emergency general meeting of its members to consider the development and decide on its next lawful professional action.
It urged members to remain calm, united and vigilant, assuring them that every legitimate effort was being made to ensure the safety and welfare of the medical icon.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command denied involvement in the arrest.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said, “The Command didn’t make such an arrest, neither do we have the mentioned name in our custody.”
