CSOs Demand Immediate Release of Palestinian Community Leader Arrested in Abuja

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the United Action for Democracy (UAD) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, leader of the Palestinian Community in Nigeria, who was recently detained by the anti-terrorism squad in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, UAD’s Executive Director, Kunle Ajayi, condemned what the group described as “abduction-style arrests” of Palestinian leaders in Nigeria. The coalition said the operation violated due process and breached internationally recognised human rights conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“We call on the Tinubu administration to release Ramzy Abu Ibrahim and all others being held. Nigeria must not allow itself to be dragged into the burning crisis in the Middle East,” the statement read.

The group warned that the country already battling economic instability, fragile security and ongoing communal conflicts should not become “a proxy or errand tool in the Israel–Palestine conflict.”

The CSOs also called for a review of Nigeria’s agreements with Israel, cautioning against any foreign policy decisions that could undermine the nation’s independence or enable political repression.

“Respect the rights of Palestinians in Nigeria. Do not allow harassment, humiliation or suppression of voices calling for freedom, dignity and peace in Palestine,” Ajayi added.

Signatories to the statement include 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 Better Nigeria, and Youth League Academy.