The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the manner Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji was arrested at the weekend in Enugu by alleged security operatives.

Aghaji, an internationally acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeon, renowned academic, distinguished statesman and one of Nigeria’s foremost medical icons, was reportedly taken from his residence in the early hours of Friday, July 3.

Sources stated that Aghaji’s arrest might not be unconnected with the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Aghaji is Kanu’s personal doctor.

Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor had taken to his Twitter handle at the weekend to alert about the arrest of Aghaji, alleging that it must be in connection with medical report he issued on Kanu.

The Enugu branch of the NMA had convened State Officers Council (SOC) at the weekend on receiving information about the development.

A communiqué from the meeting signed by the State Chairman, Dr Sunday Okafor and Secretary, Dr Chima Edeoga, while decrying the manner ’f the arrest, recognised the constitutional responsibilities of security agencies, but maintained however that every citizen deserved to be treated with dignity and in accordance with due process.

The doctors stated that upon receiving reports from concerned medical elders and members of the Association, the leadership of NMA Enugu State commenced extensive engagements with relevant government and security authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“These engagements included the Office of the Security Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State, the Nigeria Police Force through both the Divisional Police Officer, Independence Layout Division, and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as other relevant Stakeholders”, the statement said

Explaining that “specific reasons for his arrest have not been officially communicated”, they resolved to convene an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of all members of the Association to fully deliberate on the development and collectively determine appropriate professional and lawful actions.

They resolved to continue engaging all relevant authorities with a view to securing the immediate release of Professor Aghaji or ensuring that his constitutional rights are fully protected, including access to his family, legal representation and necessary medical care where applicable.

“To formally notify the National Officers’ Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association and request immediate clarification and coordinated advocacy in the interest of justice and the protection of members of the medical profession”, he said.

The Association said It remained committed to lawful engagement and constructive dialogue while closely monitoring developments.

“We assure all members that every legitimate effort is being deployed to protect the rights and welfare of our distinguished colleague”, the statement said, while requesting its members to remain calm, united and vigilant and await further directives from the Association.

…Presidency can’t escape accountability over Gbajabiamila claims — PDP

…SERAP asks Akpabio, Abbas to explain N1.3bn allocation to ‘fictitious’ PFIPC

Fresh documents emerged on Sunday showing that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, approved the disowned Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi, to attend the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit, CAFS, in August 2025.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reacting to the development on Sunday, accused the Federal Government of demonstrating a “troubling pattern of institutional failure” following the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

On it’s part, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, also on Sunday, urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to disclose certified copies of all documents relating to the consideration and approval of the allocation of over N1.3 billion (N1,302,978,784) to the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The presidency had alleged that Mr Adeyemi concocted letters and claims, insisting that the council never existed.

It also asked investigators from the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to identify and prosecute those within government institutions who allegedly assisted Adeniyi in carrying out the scheme.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the alleged PFIPC intensified yesterday as a document circulating online showed that the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, had approved a trip for Mr Adeyemi to attend a Fintech summit in Canada.

The latest development has further escalated the dispute involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Adeyemi.

The new document showed that the embattled PFIPC DG was given the nod by the SGF’s office to attend the Fintech summit in Canada from August3-8, 2025.

The document, signed by Engr. Gagare, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, showed that the embattled PFIPC DG was directed by the OSGF to register and involve other stakeholders in the programme.

The document read: “In accordance with Mr President’s Economic Strategies on the Agenda. I invite you to participate in and join the Nigerian delegation to Canada from August 3rd to 8th, 2025.

“The CAFS Summit highlights strategic roles in Digital Finance and Technology, among stakeholders worldwide.

‘’This initiative will significantly contribute to shaping our economic vision, advancing development priorities, strengthening economic ties, fostering bilateral trade relations, and attracting foreign direct investment, FDI, to benefit the Nigerian economy.

“Given the above, you are urgently requested to register and involve other stakeholders in the programme. Your experience, technical support, and presence will strengthen this delegation.

“For more information and details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, and the CAFS Organising Group. Accept the warm regards of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.’’

Presidency can’t escape accountability over Gbajabiamila claims —PDP

Reacting to the development on Sunday, , Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, asked President Tinubu to order an independent forensic investigation into allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, insisting the Presidency “cannot escape accountability” over claims involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The opposition party said the controversy left the Presidency facing two equally damaging possibilities.

In a statement signed by the spokesman of its Interim National Working Committee, Mr Ini Ememobong, the PDP said allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Matthew over the PFIPC, and the Presidency’s response through presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, had raised fresh questions about accountability and the integrity of government institutions.

The PDP said Mr Matthew alleged that Gbajabiamila solicited and received financial inducements to facilitate his appointment into the PFIPC before making further financial demands during the course of his engagement.

“The Presidency cannot escape accountability by choosing between corruption and incompetence. If its version is true, it has admitted to an unprecedented collapse of institutional safeguards.

‘’If Prince Matthew’s version is true, it has exposed corruption at the heart of government. Either way, Nigerians deserve answers.

“Whichever version of events proves to be true, the implications are deeply troubling,” Ememobong said.

The party said the Presidency, rather than directly denying the allegations, described Prince Matthew as an impostor who allegedly secured office space, had government staff assigned to him, operated CBN-registered accounts and conducted official business with agencies including the EFCC and other security institutions despite having no lawful authority.

It said the Presidency’s explanation only raised more questions.

“How did an alleged impostor gain unrestricted access to the Presidency? Who authorised the allocation of office space? Who approved the deployment of staff and budgetary resources?

‘’How were official accounts established? Who permitted him to transact with federal institutions and security agencies? These are questions that cannot simply be dismissed through a press statement.

“From the reported appointment of deceased persons into public offices, to controversies surrounding the presidential pardon process, the alleged N800 billion Progressive Governors Forum scandal, and several other avoidable administrative lapses, this administration has repeatedly found itself explaining controversies that ought never to have arisen,” the party stated.

The PDP urged President Tinubu to order an independent forensic investigation into the PFIPC controversy, suspend officials connected to the matter, pending the outcome of the inquiry, review administrative processes within the Presidency and issue an unreserved apology to Nigerians.

“The Nigerian people deserve more than explanations. They deserve transparency, accountability, and institutions that inspire confidence rather than suspicion. Until this administration demonstrates a genuine commitment to holding itself accountable, every unresolved scandal will further erode public trust and strengthen Nigerians’ determination to demand a government that is competent, transparent, and worthy of their confidence in 2027,” Ememobong stated.

SERAP asks Akpabio, Abbas to explain N1.3bn allocation to PFIPC

Meanwhile, SERAP has urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to urgently disclose certified copies of all documents relating to the consideration and approval of the allocation of over N1.3 billion (N1,302,978,784) to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC/Presidential Economic Advisory Council in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

SERAP, in a Freedom of Information, FoI, request by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged them to exercise the National Assembly’s constitutional powers under sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allocation to ‘a fictitious presidential council’ in the 2026 Appropriation Act and to identify anyone responsible for any irregularities.

SERAP also urged them to “provide certified copies of records identifying the members of the National Assembly committees that considered the allocation and the names and official designations of all public officers or representatives who appeared before those committees to defend the proposed allocation.”

SERAP further urged them to “clarify whether the allocation formed part of the executive’s original Appropriation Bill or was introduced or amended during the appropriations process and whether any lawmaker raised concerns or sought clarification regarding the legal status, establishment or operational mandate of the ‘fictitious body’; and the action taken by the National Assembly in response.”

According to reports, the PFIPC/Presidential Economic Advisory Council was allocated over N1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act. However, the Presidency has publicly stated that the body is fictitious and was never established by the federal government.

SERAP said: “These conflicting accounts raise serious concerns regarding the integrity of Nigeria’s appropriations process, legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability.

“Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law. The National Assembly ought to keep an eye on what the executive is doing and to keep the Presidency and agencies of government in check, including before and during the appropriation process, by thoroughly scrutinising the Executive’s budget proposals before any authorisation.

“Nigerians have a right to know whether public funds were appropriated for an entity that was not lawfully established and, if so, how this occurred.

“Providing the requested information would enable Nigerians to assess whether the National Assembly discharged its constitutional responsibilities under sections 80, 81, 88 and 89 of the Constitution in scrutinising and approving the allocation.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Disclosure of the requested information would strengthen public confidence in the credibility of the National Assembly and the integrity of the appropriations process, promote transparency in the management of public resources, and enable citizens to meaningfully scrutinise the exercise of parliamentary oversight.

“The requested records concern matters of exceptional public importance. They relate directly to the integrity of Nigeria’s budgetary and appropriations process, the lawful establishment and funding of public institutions, the expenditure of public funds, and the effectiveness of legislative oversight.

“The National Assembly has a clear obligation to disclose the requested information, particularly where there are credible allegations of governmental impropriety and possible misuse of public resources.

“The disclosure of the requested information and documents would advance these constitutional and statutory objectives by promoting openness, strengthening legislative accountability and enhancing public confidence in the management of public resources.

“According to widely reported allegations, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC/Presidential Economic Advisory Council was allocated over N1.3 billion (N1,302,978,784) in the 2026 Appropriation Act.”

The body of a woman, Blessing Ayebe, has been found in a church toilet in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Ayebe reportedly attended a service at the Presbyterian Church, Ikot Ansa Parish, on June 28 but did not return home.

According to family sources, her lifeless body was discovered in the church toilet around 9 p.m

Her daughter, Peace Minka Ayebe, reported the incident at the Federal Housing Police Station after being informed by her brother, Saviour Ayebe.

The body was later deposited at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary examination of the body showed no visible signs of violence.

He said no suspect had been identified or arrested as of Sunday, as investigators had yet to establish any evidence of foul play.

“The investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as they unfold,” Akata said.