By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
A coalition of civil society organizations has called on the Federal Government to release Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, a Palestinian community leader, along with others reportedly detained by Nigerian security forces.
In a petition on August 27, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the practitioners warned Nigeria against being drawn into the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The groups, operating under the banner of Civic Trenches and endorsed by organizations including : the United Action for Democracy (UAD), Workers Convergence, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, and Yoruba Youth Assembly, allege that the arrests violate due process and fundamental human rights.
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Expressing concern that the detentions might be linked to Nigeria’s recent security and intelligence pact with Israel, the coalition fears that Nigerian authorities could be leveraging security measures to silence dissenting voices.
“Advocacy for Palestinian rights is not a crime. Nigeria must not become a tool for external powers silencing legitimate voices of solidarity,” the petition states.
They highlighted Abu Ibrahim’s role as a vocal supporter against attacks on civilians in Gaza and for press freedom in the region. The groups insisted that his detention undermines Nigeria’s commitments to freedom of expression, association, and human rights within its borders.
The coalition called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to:- Unconditionally and immediately release Abu Ibrahim and other detained community leaders.- Protect the rights of Palestinians residing in Nigeria, ensuring they are not subject to harassment or repression.- Reassess agreements with Israel that may compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty or democratic principles.
Cautioning that Nigeria faces ongoing economic and security challenges, the groups warned against allowing the country to be entangled further in the Middle East conflict.
The petition concluded with a plea for Nigeria to support a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine crisis, emphasizing that the country’s foreign policy should be grounded in justice, peace, and human dignity.
As of press time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not responded to the concerns raised in the petition.
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