ICPC arraigns surgeon for demanding N320k bribe before carrying out a surgery in Enugu

A former Consultant Cardio-thoracic Surgeon in the Department of Surgery, University Of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Professor Martin Aghaji, has been arraigned before Justice R. O. Odugu of a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a 4-count charge of allegedly demanding and receiving bribe in the course of his official duties.

The charges bordered on administrative corruption, extortion and conferring corrupt advantages on himself, which violate Sections 8 and 19 and are punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Professor Aghaji, had sometime in 2003, while being a public officer used his position as a Consultant Cardio-thoracic Surgeon at UNTH Enugu, demanded for N320, 000 and received N70, 000, before he could carry out a surgical operation on one late Francis Ebeogbodi, which he never did before the patient passed on.

Investigations have shown that although it is unethical for doctors in public service to demand and accept money before performing their official duties, the accused had allegedly done so. Professor Aghaji pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition.