Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Emeritus Professor Martin A.C. Aghaji, has been released by the Department of State Services after spending several days in custody.
Sources said Aghaji was freed on Sunday following intense pressure from the Nigerian Medical Association, senior doctors, civil society groups and other stakeholders who demanded transparency from the DSS.
The DSS did not announce any reason for the arrest or detention as of the time of his release. Aghaji was reportedly picked up from his home and held incommunicado, a development that sparked concern across Nigeria’s medical community.
The Enugu State chapter of the NMA condemned the arrest and held an emergency meeting of its State Officers’ Council on Saturday. In a communiqué, the association said security agencies must carry out their duties with respect for due process and human dignity.
The NMA said it immediately reached out to the Office of the Security Adviser to the Enugu State Governor, the Nigeria Police, including the DPO of Independence Layout and the Commissioner of Police in Enugu, as well as the DSS and the national leadership of the NMA. Despite those engagements, officials said no explanation was given for the arrest.
The association described Aghaji as “an internationally acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeon, renowned academic, distinguished statesman and one of Nigeria’s foremost medical icons.” It called for his immediate release or, at the very least, guaranteed access to family, lawyers and medical care.
The council also resolved to hold an Emergency General Meeting to decide next steps and urged the national NMA to lead advocacy efforts to protect medical professionals.
Aghaji was released less than 24 hours after the NMA communiqué was made public. Sources told SaharaReporters that the sustained advocacy played a key role in the decision.
Professor Aghaji served as VC of UNN and has spent decades building a reputation in medical education, cardiothoracic surgery and healthcare development both in Nigeria and abroad.
His detention without stated charges drew wide criticism, with many calling on the DSS to uphold constitutional rights during investigations.
