Obi faults security agencies over alleged wrongful arrest of professor 

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged arrest and treatment of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Martin Aghaji.
He described the incident as disturbing and a reflection of the growing disregard for civility, the rule of law and human dignity in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Obi expressed concern over what he described as the humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of the 74-year-old medical expert.
The former Anambra governor warned that such actions by security agencies could further damage Nigeria’s international image and worsen the country’s brain drain in the health sector.
According to Obi, Professor Aghaji, an internationally respected medical practitioner and academic, was allegedly arrested after security operatives stormed his residence in Independent Layout, Enugu, at about 2 a.m., without prior invitation or direct communication.
“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 said.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, the former Anambra State governor maintained that every Nigerian, regardless of profession or social status, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the law.
“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 stated.
Obi said Professor Aghaji’s age, record of service and international reputation should have attracted a more professional approach from law enforcement authorities.
“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,” he said.
He further criticised what he described as the authorities’ handling of the matter, noting that after allegedly taking the professor from Enugu to Lagos and detaining him for three days, the only explanation offered was an apology.
“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,’” Obi lamented.
The NDC presidential candidate warned that incidents of this nature could discourage highly skilled professionals from remaining in Nigeria and deepen the country’s healthcare challenges.
“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,” he stated.
Obi also recalled what he described as a similar incident involving another medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom State, which he said prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike before the matter was resolved through official intervention and a public apology.
Drawing parallels between the two incidents, he urged security agencies to carry out their duties professionally and in strict compliance with the rule of law.
“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,” Obi said.