Civil society organizations in Nigeria have strongly demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Palestinian leader Ramzy Abu Ibrahim and other detained members of the Palestinian community. They stressed that the arrests are a violation of fundamental human rights and could drag Nigeria into the Middle East conflict at a time when the country already faces serious internal challenges.

In a joint statement, the demand was made by Omotaje Olawale Saint of WorkBond International Network (WIN) and Kunle Ajayi Wizeman of United Action for Democracy (UAD). They spoke on behalf of a coalition that included WIN, UAD, All Workers Convergence, Lagos State Liberation Congress, and the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights. The groups argued that Abu Ibrahim's detention was linked directly to his activism against Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza.

The organizations warned that Nigeria's recent security and intelligence pact with Israel was "deeply troubling." They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to resist external pressure and avoid becoming a proxy in the Israel–Palestine conflict. According to them, Nigeria must remain independent and uphold its constitutional values.

They further noted that Nigeria's fragile economy and worsening insecurity mean the country is not prepared to involve itself in foreign wars. Any such involvement, they argued, would expose citizens to greater risks and increase instability at home.

The coalition described Abu Ibrahim as a respected activist who consistently condemned the killing of civilians and journalists in Gaza. They insisted that solidarity and activism cannot be criminalized in Nigeria. Silencing voices of conscience, they added, would violate Nigeria's constitution and international conventions.

Finally, the groups reaffirmed their call for a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis. They demanded that the Nigerian government respect Palestinian rights and review agreements with Israel that could compromise Nigeria's independence and democratic values.

Source: