IPOB condemns midnight raid, abduction of Nnamdi Kanu’s doctor

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that the personal physician to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Emeritus Prof. Martin Aghaji, was subjected to a midnight raid, abduction, and intimidation by security operatives.

In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB said Prof. Aghaji has since regained his freedom after what it described as detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos.

The group claimed the eminent cardio-thoracic surgeon was arrested during a midnight operation at his residence in Enugu before being taken to Abuja and later to Lagos. It alleged that he was released following pressure from legal representatives and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

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IPOB commended Kanu’s legal team and the NMA for what it described as their prompt intervention, alleging that the association’s response contributed to Prof. Aghaji’s release.

According to the group, the alleged treatment of the surgeon amounted to intimidation over his professional assessment of Kanu’s health.

The organisation further alleged that lawyers and medical practitioners associated with Kanu’s case have faced threats, intimidation and other forms of pressure because of their involvement in the matter.

IPOB also revisited issues surrounding Kanu’s ongoing legal proceedings, claiming that a medical examination ordered by the trial court in October 2025 was never carried out. It alleged that Prof. Aghaji, whom it described as Kanu’s personal physician, was excluded from the process and questioned the authenticity of a medical report it said was dated before the court issued its order.

The group further alleged that Kanu was convicted under a repealed law and argued that the issues raised could become central to his appeal.

Calling for international attention, IPOB urged human rights organisations and foreign governments, including those of the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom, to scrutinise court records and the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s trial.

The group maintained that it would continue to challenge what it described as irregularities in the judicial process and reiterated its demand for Kanu’s unconditional release.

The allegations contained in IPOB’s statement have not been independently verified. The DSS and other authorities had not responded to the specific claims at the time of the statement.