Both groups urged the Federal Government, National Security Adviser, and Inspector-General of Police to provide urgent clarification on Mr. Ibrahim’s whereabouts, stressing that, in a democratic setting, no individual should be detained incommunicado without due adherence to the legal process.
Two prominent Muslim organisations in Nigeria, The Muslim Congress (TMC) and Muslim Awareness International (MAI), have expressed deep concerns over the safety and whereabouts of Mr. Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, a renowned leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, reportedly taken from his Abuja residence by suspected members of the anti-terrorism squad.
In separate press statements issued in Lagos on Wednesday, August 27, the two groups called on the Nigerian government and the security agency to immediately clarify Mr. Ibrahim’s status, disclose his whereabouts, ensure his safety and respect his rights.
They also joined other human rights organisations to demand for unconditional release of the Palestinian leader living in Nigeria or charge him to court with the allegations well spelt out.
Nigeria recently rejigged its relations with the Zionist state Israel whose leaders are wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, particularly its genocide and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians.
MAI links unlawful arrest to renewed Nigeria-Israeli relations
MAI Director, Mallam AbdulWaheed Atoyebi said it’s disturbing that no security agency has either confirmed or denied responsibility for Mr Ibrahim’s reported arrest.
According to him, “We are disturbed about the news of Abu Ibrahim’s arrest. According to multiple reports, he was arrested on Friday. Sadly, the news came to the public on Monday. Today is Wednesday, nothing has been heard about his whereabouts. Who held him? What’s his offence, amongst others?
“Even if it is kidnapping, the kidnappers, after 48 hours or thereabouts would have made a demand for ransom. In this case, no one is saying anything about his reported arrest.”
Atoyebi described Abu Ibrahim as a peace-loving Palestinian who has lived in Nigeria for over 30 years and even holds a Nigerian passport, thereby calling on the security agency to either release him or charge him to court
“He has appeared on many Nigerian TV channels granting interviews on the ongoing Gaza genocide. Recently, he was invited for a mega press conference in Lagos, where he spoke passionately and enlightened us more about the issue of Palestine. If this is his offence, the security agencies should tell us,” Atoyebi said.
The group also raised concerns about Nigeria’s growing counter-terrorism ties with Israel which might not be unconnected to the incident.
“A lot of people have been saying that this has to do with the current re-engineered ties with Israel on the counter-terrorism pact. As an organisation, we are not in support of this alliance. We don’t want Nigeria to be an accomplice in the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza that has led to the death of over 60,000 innocent Palestinians, mostly women and children”, MAI stated.
TMC demands transparency, warns against suppression of advocacy
Similarly, the national headquarters of The Muslim Congress described the shrouded arrest of the Palestinian leader as a “critical test” of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and transparency, warning that silence over Mr. Ibrahim’s fate is unacceptable.
“The very foundation of this fight is undermined by operations lacking in transparency and due process,” said Alh AbdulWasi’i Bangbala, TMC Amir.
TMC suspects that the arrest may not be unconnected to Mr. Ibrahim’s peaceful advocacy concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling such a move “a severe suppression of conscience and a dangerous alignment with forces seeking to silence solidarity with oppressed people.”
The group urged Nigerian authorities to immediately confirm Mr. Ibrahim’s status, disclose the legal grounds for his detention, and guarantee him access to legal counsel.
“The integrity of our nation is defined by its consistent adherence to justice, fairness and the dignity of all individuals. The silence surrounding Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s disappearance is unacceptable and demands immediate action,” the statement read.
TMC urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to human rights, stressing that Nigeria’s global reputation is at stake.
Calls for action
Both TMC and MAI urged the Federal Government, National Security Adviser, and Inspector-General of Police to provide urgent clarification on Mr. Ibrahim’s whereabouts, stressing that, in a democratic setting, no individual should be detained incommunicado without due adherence to the legal process.
They further warned that Nigeria must not allow itself to be used as “a platform for the outsourced persecution of vulnerable communities or peaceful advocates for the underprivileged.
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