A public policy analyst and legal practitioner, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has alleged that Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji was arrested by security operatives over an independent medical assessment he reportedly conducted on detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Chidera described the reported arrest of the renowned cardiac surgeon as "an attack on truth, the rule of law, and professional independence," claiming it further demonstrated that Kanu's continued detention was politically motivated rather than driven by legal considerations.
According to the lawyer, Professor Aghaji, a former President of the Nigerian Cardiac Society and former Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Nigeria, was allegedly arrested on July 3 after issuing an independent medical assessment of Kanu's health.
Chidera claimed the assessment contradicted the position of the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding Kanu's condition, alleging that security operatives subsequently stormed the professor's residence in Independence Layout, Enugu.
He argued that the reported development sent a troubling message to professionals willing to express independent opinions on high-profile matters.
"The arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji is not the detention of one man. It is a calculated declaration by the Nigerian state that truth itself is now a crime," Chidera said.
The lawyer further alleged that no internationally respected medical expert should face intimidation for carrying out professional duties, insisting that the incident reinforced claims that Kanu could not receive a fair hearing under the current circumstances.
He also urged the United Kingdom government to intervene diplomatically, calling for the release of both Kanu and Professor Aghaji.
In addition, Chidera appealed to Amnesty International, diplomatic missions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, and civil society organisations to speak out over the reported arrest.
He described the alleged detention as an assault on professional independence and the rule of law, warning that professionals across different sectors could face similar treatment if they expressed views contrary to those of the government.
The lawyer concluded by demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Aghaji and Nnamdi Kanu, while calling for an end to what he described as the persecution of professionals involved in Kanu's case.