TheCable

Martins Aghaji, a former consultant cardio-thoracic surgeon in the department of surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), was arraigned before a federal high court in Enugu on Monday for insisting on bribe before performing a surgery.

Aghaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) on a four-count charge of administrative corruption, extortion and conferring corrupt advantages on himself.

In 2003, Aghaji demanded for N320, 000 and received N70, 000 before he could carry out a surgical operation on on a certain Francis Ebeogbodi. The ICPC said the doctor did not carry out the surgery and the patient passed on.

According to the ICPC, the charges violate sections 8 and 19 of the corrupt practices and other related offences act, 2000 and punishable under section 19 of the same law.

The ICPC accused the doctor of being unethical in demanding money before performing his official duties as a public servant.

The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition.