Medical Expert Who Countered DSS Report On Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Arrested In Enugu

Human rights lawyer Maxwell Okpara has alleged that Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a respected medical expert who reportedly conducted an independent assessment of the health of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been arrested in Enugu State.

Okpara disclosed the claim in a statement issued on Saturday, alleging that the retired professor was taken into custody at his residence in the Independence Layout area of Enugu on Friday, July 3, 2026.

According to the lawyer, Professor Aghaji’s reported arrest has raised concerns among supporters of Kanu and advocates of human rights, particularly because of the role the medical expert allegedly played in providing an independent evaluation of the IPOB leader’s health.

Okpara noted that the professor’s medical findings reportedly differed from the official medical report presented by the Department of State Services (DSS) during proceedings involving Kanu, although he did not state that authorities had linked the arrest to the report.

As of the time of filing this report, no official agency has publicly disclosed the reason for Professor Aghaji’s alleged arrest, and the security authorities have not issued a statement confirming or denying the claim.

The lawyer called on professional bodies and civil society organisations to closely monitor the situation and ensure that the professor’s rights are protected in accordance with the law.

He specifically appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights groups and other relevant stakeholders to intervene and ensure that due process is followed.

In his statement, Okpara said:

“Information has reached me that Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, the medical expert who reportedly issued independent medical reports on the health condition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu State, on July 3, 2026.

“Prof. Aghaji’s reported medical assessments were said to have countered the official medical report presented by the Department of State Services (DSS).

“We call on the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups and other relevant authorities to ensure that due process and the rule of law are strictly observed, and that nobody is intimidated for speaking the truth.”

The development comes amid ongoing public interest in the legal proceedings involving Nnamdi Kanu, whose detention and trial have continued to generate widespread debate and attract attention from legal practitioners, rights advocates and political observers across Nigeria.

At the time of this report, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Department of State Services had not publicly responded to the allegations made by Okpara.