By Ike Abonyi
At what point in life or professional standing does one become immune to the indignities that can arise from the aggressive actions of overzealous law enforcement? Furthermore, what is the legal principle that asserts an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law? How can the events that transpired in Enugu State and Lagos between July 3rd and July 5th, 2026, be reconciled with the concept of the rule of law, which mandates adherence to legal procedures? Professor Aghaji’s experience serves as a stark illustration of unchecked power and impunity.
At 74 years of age, Professor Martin Anthony Chukwumbudike Aghaji has achieved considerable distinction across various facets of his life: as a family man, an educator, an administrator, and most notably, as a medical practitioner.
Professor Aghaji served as a Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH). He is credited with pioneering two significant surgical feats in Nigeria: the first successful replacement of a Mitral Valve with a Mechanical Heart Valve in 1986, a procedure that allowed the patient to live for twenty-seven years, and the first successful replacement of an Aortic Valve with a Mechanical Heart Valve. An alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he graduated as the Best Student of the MB BCH Class of 1977. His academic credentials also include studies at the University of London, renowned for its expertise in open-heart surgery. He also held the position of the founding Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. The immeasurable value of a life dedicated to healing others is difficult to quantify.
For Emeritus Professor Aghaji, an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon and one of Nigeria’s preeminent cardiologists, a lifetime of dedicated service was met not with appreciation, but with fear. He recounted his harrowing experience to me with profound emotion and tears, stating unequivocally, “No one should endure the treatment I received, regardless of the circumstances.”
At 2:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, during a time of widespread repose, the sanctity of this esteemed healer’s residence in Independent Layout, Enugu, was violently violated. Approximately 30 operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), heavily armed as if confronting a major terrorist, breached his home. There was no prior notification, no official summons, and no response to any attempted contact. His age, professional standing, and substantial contributions to medicine and society were utterly disregarded.
In the darkness of the night, this venerable elder statesman and his visiting daughter, who was staying with him while his wife was abroad visiting their children, were forcibly removed from their home, treated as common criminals. The operatives, employing commando-style tactics, attempted to scale the fence but were deterred by barbed wire. They subsequently broke through the wall and forced entry through the doors. To Professor Aghaji and his household, the intrusion evoked the terror of robbers and kidnappers, prompting attempts to alert neighbours and the police.
One can only imagine the profound terror of that moment. Consider the anguish of a man who has dedicated his life to repairing damaged hearts, now helpless as his own home is subjected to violent intrusion. Imagine the trauma inflicted upon his daughter as they were dragged into the night.
They were transported to the Enugu DSS office and subsequently moved to Lagos on Saturday. The daughter was eventually released upon confirmation that she was not the target individual. This distinguished elder was stripped of his dignity and peace. For hours that felt like an eternity, he was held in a state of agonising uncertainty. The most distressing aspect? He was never informed of any alleged offence. Even in Lagos, no clear justification was provided for this demeaning and humiliating action. He was denied the fundamental human right to know the basis for being treated as a perceived threat to the state.
How did this ordeal conclude? With a perfunctory apology. After subjecting an elderly, world-renowned professor to unimaginable psychological and physical distress, the DSS operatives in Lagos offered a simple apology and his release, citing a mistake. The Lagos DSS had apparently failed to conduct adequate due diligence, merely instructing Enugu to apprehend the alleged “criminal.” They also neglected proper profiling and chose to strike in the dead of night. For three days, until Sunday, the 74-year-old professor remained in a state of shock, without any explanation. There was no accountability, only a “sorry” for the destruction of his property, the disruption of his home, and the shattering of his peace of mind. How can any apology compensate for the trauma of a 2:30 a.m. raid? An apology cannot mend the psychological scars inflicted upon his daughter. An apology does not restore the dignity so carelessly trampled upon by an agency charged with citizen protection.
If a figure of Professor Aghaji’s eminence—a true pioneer in Nigerian medicine—can be subjected to such blatant lawlessness and disrespect, then who among us is truly secure? This incident is not merely an affront to the Professor and his family; it represents a profound blemish on our collective justice system. We demand more than a quiet apology. We insist on accountability and justice for the psychological torment inflicted upon a national asset.
As Professor Aghaji contemplated the reasons for such treatment, he recalled having recently attended to an imprisoned IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. However, he could not fathom any professional conduct that would warrant such humiliation. When asked about his next steps, the emotionally distressed cardiologist stated, “I have lodged a complaint with the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, requesting his intervention to ascertain the reason for my profound humiliation.”
He added, “I am awaiting a response, and a consulting professional should not be treated in such a manner, even if they have committed an offence and refused an invitation.”
It is deeply regrettable when institutions meant to safeguard citizens instead treat them as adversaries and common criminals. If a medical practitioner of Professor Aghaji’s age and stature can be subjected to such treatment, how can we fault the disillusionment of younger doctors who crowd foreign embassies in Lagos and Abuja in search of a visa to run away from their fatherland? May divine mercy be upon us.
Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large, Global Upfront Newspapers (GUN)
