A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the United Action for Democracy has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of the leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, who was recently arrested by the anti-terrorism squad in Abuja.
Ibrahim and other leaders of the community were allegedly arrested by men believed to be operatives of the Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Nigeria Police in Abuja.
Before his arrest, the Palestinian-Nigerian was an activist, involved in the agitations for peace in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, a fact the groups said was undoubtedly responsible for his arrest.
The coalition condemned the Nigerian authorities for what it described as the abduction of Palestinian community leaders, stating that the manner of the arrest “violates due process and contravenes globally recognised principles, tenets, and conventions of fundamental human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
In a statement dated Wednesday, the Executive Director of UAD, Kunle Ajayi, urged the Nigerian government to respect the rights of Palestinians living in the country. He warned against Nigeria being drawn into the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“We call on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately and unconditionally release Ramzy Abu Ibrahim and all other detained Palestinian community leaders,” the statement read in part.
“The recent arrest of Palestinian community leaders in Nigeria has sparked outrage and deep concern, especially following reports that Nigerian security forces abducted them in ways that violate due process and internationally recognised human rights standards.
“Nigeria cannot afford to be unwittingly dragged into the burning crisis in the Middle East. It is worth noting that we are already grappling with a battered economy, fragile security marked by farmers-herders clashes, and a surge in social vices. Nigeria must not be used as a proxy or errand tool in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.”
The coalition further called on the Nigerian government to ensure Palestinians in Nigeria are not subjected to harassment, humiliation, or political repression. It also urged a thorough review of any bilateral agreements with the Israeli government that may compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Nigeria must review and reconsider any agreements with the Israeli government that compromise our national independence and undermine the democratic rights of residents within our borders,” the statement continued. “We urge Nigerians to stand on the side of justice and resist any attempt to use our territory or institutions to silence voices calling for freedom, dignity, and peace in Palestine.”
The statement was co-signed by several organisations, including All Workers Convergence, Lagos State Liberation Congress, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy, Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence, Peace Initiative for a Better Nigeria, and Youth League Academy.
