The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has decried the detention of Ramzy Ibrahim Abusafiah, the head of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the group labeled the arrest “unacceptable [and] condemnable,” warning it could damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
The movement, speaking through Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, linked Abusafiah’s arrest on August 22 to a recently signed security agreement between Nigeria and Israel—a pact the group has openly criticized.
“The arrest… exposes a new shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy,” the statement read. “It is a betrayal of Nigeria’s longstanding support for Palestine and a dangerous alignment with a regime increasingly isolated on the global stage.”
Citing Nigeria’s historical backing of Palestine—including recognition of Palestinian statehood in 1988 and support for its UN observer status in 2012—the group accused the Tinubu administration of a “sudden double standard.” It also referenced Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar’s earlier criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The statement further pointed to international legal and diplomatic moves against Israel, including South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice and sanctions imposed by Turkey and the UK.
The movement called for the cancellation of all Nigeria-Israel security agreements, alleging that Israel has historically promoted instability in Africa to benefit its arms and intelligence sectors.
It urged Nigerian intellectuals, journalists, and the public to reject this foreign policy shift and appealed to Muslims to use the ongoing month of Rabiul Awwal—a period focused on unity—to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine.
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