Medical expert who challenged DSS report on Nnamdi Kanu’s health arrested

Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a medical expert who prepared an independent health report on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly been arrested in Enugu State.

The development was made public on Saturday by human rights lawyer Maxwell Okpara, who said the professor was taken into custody at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, on Friday.

According to Okpara, the arrest came after Aghaji had presented a medical assessment on Kanu that differed from the health report earlier submitted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Although the reason for the professor’s arrest has not been made public, the lawyer linked the incident to the medical findings he produced on Kanu’s condition.
Okpara said the professor’s report challenged the official position presented by the DSS during proceedings relating to the IPOB leader’s health.

The lawyer called on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations and other relevant bodies to closely monitor the matter and ensure that legal procedures are followed.

He also urged authorities to protect the rights of the medical expert, insisting that professionals should not face intimidation or harassment for carrying out their duties or expressing professional opinions.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by security agencies explaining the circumstances surrounding Aghaji’s arrest. The matter has continued to attract attention because of its connection to the ongoing legal proceedings involving Nnamdi Kanu.