Ramzy’s “arrest”, dangerous attempt to silence solidarity with an oppressed people – TMC

By Bukola Hameed

The Muslim Congress (TMC) has condemned the disappearance of Mr. Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, a respected leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, describing it as a “dangerous attempt to silence solidarity with an oppressed people.”

Mr. Abu Ibrahim was reportedly taken from his Abuja residence days ago by individuals believed to be members of an anti-terrorism squad. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown. Neither his family nor the Palestinian Embassy has received any official information, and no Nigerian security agency has claimed responsibility or provided legal grounds for his detention.

In a statement signed by its Amir, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Bangbala, TMC described the case as “deeply disturbing” and a major test of Nigeria’s justice system and security institutions.

“While The Muslim Congress firmly supports all lawful measures to protect national security, the foundation of this fight collapses when transparency and due process are absent,” the statement read.

TMC warned that if the detention is linked to Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s advocacy on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it would represent a grave violation of conscience and human rights.

“The silence surrounding Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s disappearance is unacceptable and we demand immediate action. Justice delayed is justice denied,” the group stressed.

The organization demanded that Nigerian authorities immediately disclose Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s status and location, make public the legal grounds for any detention, and guarantee his safety and access to legal counsel.

TMC also urged the government to resist becoming a platform for the persecution of vulnerable communities or their advocates, warning that Nigeria’s global image is at stake.

“We remain hopeful that Mr. Abu Ibrahim will be found safe and that justice will prevail,” Alhaji Bangbala added.

The release titled, Nigeria’s Justice System Under Scrutiny: TMC Calls for Answers in Disappearance of Palestinian Community Leader, reads:

The credibility of Nigeria’s security institutions and the nation’s historic commitment to justice now face a critical test. The Muslim Congress issues a profound and urgent call for transparency regarding the disturbing disappearance of Mr. Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, a prominent leader of the Palestinian Community in Nigeria.

Reportedly seized from his Abuja residence a few days ago by individuals identified as an antiterrorism squad, Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s whereabouts remain unknown. His family and the Palestinian Embassy have been left without information and no Nigerian security agency has claimed responsibility or provided legal justification for his detention.

While The Muslim Congress stands firmly behind all lawful and targeted measures to ensure national security, the very foundation of this fight is undermined by operations lacking transparency and due process. The potential that this detention is linked to Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s peaceful advocacy concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deeply troubling. Should this prove accurate, it would represent a severe suppression of conscience and a dangerous alignment with forces seeking to silence solidarity with an oppressed people.

We urgently demand that the Nigerian authorities immediately confirm Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s status and location, publicly disclose the legal grounds for any detention and guarantee his safety and immediate access to legal counsel. Nigeria must vigilantly guard against becoming a platform for the outsourced persecution of vulnerable communities or those who advocate for them.

The integrity of our nation is defined by its consistent adherence to justice, fairness and the dignity of all individuals. We insist that the principles of transparency and accountability be upheld without reservation. The silence surrounding Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s disappearance is unacceptable and demands immediate action.

The Muslim Congress firmly believes that justice delayed is justice denied and we cannot allow this situation to fester. We call upon all relevant authorities to prioritize a thorough and impartial investigation into Mr. Abu Ibrahim’s disappearance, ensuring that all findings are made public.

Furthermore, we urge the government to reaffirm its commitment to upholding human rights and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their origin or advocacy. The international community is watching and Nigeria’s response to this critical situation will define its standing on the global stage. We remain hopeful that Mr. Abu Ibrahim will be found safe and that justice will prevail.

Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Bangbala,

Amir, The Muslim Congress.