Emeritus Professor Martin Anthony Chukwumbudike Aghaji, a renowned cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, has alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) unlawfully arrested and detained him over a case of mistaken identity, calling for accountability over the incident.
Professor Aghaji, 74, claimed that heavily armed DSS operatives stormed his residence in the Independent Layout area of Enugu at about 2:30 a.m. on July 3, 2026, forcibly gained entry into his home and arrested him alongside his daughter, who was visiting at the time.
According to the professor, both were taken to the DSS office in Enugu before being transferred to Lagos, where his daughter was later released after officials reportedly confirmed she was not connected to the investigation.
The distinguished medical practitioner alleged that throughout his detention, he was not informed of the offence for which he was arrested and was eventually released after DSS officials reportedly apologised, describing the incident as a mistake.
Professor Aghaji said the experience subjected him and his family to severe psychological trauma and humiliation, insisting that no citizen, regardless of status, should be treated in such a manner without due process.
He disclosed that he has formally petitioned the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, seeking his intervention to determine the circumstances surrounding the arrest and to ensure accountability.
The professor also revealed that he had recently provided medical care to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but said he could not identify any professional action that would justify the treatment he received.
Professor Aghaji, a former Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) and founding Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, is widely recognised for pioneering some of Nigeria’s earliest successful mechanical heart valve replacement surgeries.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over respect for due process, citizens’ rights and the need for security agencies to adhere strictly to the rule of law while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
As of the time of filing this report, the Department of State Services had not publicly responded to the allegations.
