The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has raised alarm over the reported arrest of Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, head of the Palestinian Community in Nigeria, by operatives believed to be members of an anti-terrorism squad.
Quoting Sahara Reporters, Muslim News had earlier reported that Abu Ibrahim was taken from his Abuja residence on Friday, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
The report further stated that neither his family nor the Palestinian Embassy in Abuja has been informed of the circumstances surrounding the arrest, while Nigerian security agencies have yet to issue an official statement confirming or clarifying the situation.
In a statement issued on Monday, MPAC Executive Chairman, Mal Disu Kamor declared his support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts but stressed that such operations must be conducted with transparency, accountability, and fairness.
He therefore cautioned that innocent people must not fall victim to politically motivated arrests, harassment, or attempts to stifle dissent.
MPAC expressed particular concern over suggestions that the arrest may be linked to Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s recent public advocacy on the atrocities in Gaza, including the killing of journalists and civilians.
Mal Disu warned that if true, such an action would raise serious concerns about efforts to silence legitimate voices of conscience and solidarity with oppressed Palestinians.
The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to immediately confirm whether Abu Ibrahim was arrested by state agents, explain the reasons for his detention, and guarantee his safety and access to legal representation in line with constitutional and international human rights obligations.
It also cautioned against any move that could make Nigeria a tool for targeting Palestinians or their advocates.
MPAC concluded that Nigeria’s credibility and moral standing rest on its ability to ensure justice, fairness, and transparency in sensitive cases such as this.
It added that while the fight against terrorism must remain firm, it must also be guided by fairness and accountability to protect the nation’s democratic and humanitarian values.
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