The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) successfully arranged for the release of consultant cardiac surgeon Prof. Martin Aghaji from Department of State Services (DSS) custody. The surgeon had been held in relation to accusations involving economic misconduct.
DSS agents initially took Prof. Aghaji into custody at his Enugu home on July 2, 2026. He was subsequently moved to the agency’s Lagos office for further inquiry. Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, the Lagos NMA Chairman, confirmed he was notified of the situation by the local DSS director and immediately alerted national leadership.
A formal delegation was established to advocate for the professor. This group included Dr. Babajide Saheed, Prof. Olayinka Atilola, Dr. Bisoye Akinsulire, and Dr. Placid Ajachukwu. On July 5, 2026, the team met with DSS officials in Lagos to finalize the release conditions.
Prof. Aghaji was granted bail under fair terms and released to the association’s representatives. While the NMA confirmed the release, they noted that the specific nature of the economic allegations is being withheld to avoid interfering with the active investigation. The NMA plans to keep overseeing the situation to guarantee that legal standards are upheld while acknowledging the authorities’ right to conduct their inquiry.
