The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) and the National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Mob Action and Impunity (NCAMKI) have expressed concern over the reported arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji.

Reports said the distinguished medical scholar and former vice-chancellor was arrested following an independent medical assessment of the health condition of the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement, however, Babatunde Agunbiade wrote in a reaction for the coalition that “if true, this raises serious constitutional, ethical and human rights issues. It demands the urgent attention of every Nigerian who believes in democracy, justice, and professional independence. Nigeria is governed by law, not intimidation.”

According to the groups, a constitutional democracy cannot create fear among doctors, lawyers, journalists, academics, or expert witnesses.

The groups noted that no professional should be afraid to do their lawful duty because their opinion is inconvenient to those in power. When independent judgment is criminalised, justice is threatened. Medical opinions are based on science, evidence, and professional ethics.

“Where experts disagree, the answer is independent review, scientific evaluation, and judicial scrutiny. It is not intimidation or actions that suggest professional independence is under attack.

“No one is above the law. No one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention outside the constitution and due process. Every investigative agency must act fairly, transparently, and within constitutional limits.”

Against this background, the groups demanded that the relevant authorities should publicly state the legal basis for Aghaji’s reported arrest, ensure that all his constitutional rights are respected throughout any investigation, and release him immediately if there are no lawful grounds for his continued detention.

They also called on the authorities for due process in the investigation and prosecution of the matter, while the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights groups, civil society, and the international community to monitor this case closely.

“We must defend professional independence, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights. This is bigger than one person. Today, it is a professor of medicine; tomorrow, it could be a judge, a lawyer, a journalist, or an academic. Once intimidation replaces constitutional governance, no profession and no citizen is safe,” the groups insisted.

“The legacy of Gani Fawehinmi reminds us that democracy survives only where institutions are stronger than individuals, where truth is not criminalised, where professional integrity is respected, and where justice is done without fear or favour.

“The strength of a democracy is measured by its commitment to justice, legality, and humanity. The Nigerian Constitution must remain supreme.  Justice must be blind to power.  The rule of law must prevail over the rule of might,” they added.