Islamic Movement Condemns Arrest of Palestinian Leader in Nigeria, Demands Immediate Release
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has strongly condemned the arrest of Ramzy Ibrahim Abusafiah, the leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 27, and signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto on behalf of the movement’s leader, Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky, the group described the arrest as “unacceptable, condemnable and capable of tarnishing Nigeria’s image globally.”
According to the statement, Abusafiah was arrested on Friday, August 22, 2025, by officers of the Nigeria Police. While no official reason for the arrest has been made public, the Islamic Movement believes the action is linked to a recent security pact between Nigeria and Israel—an agreement it sharply 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.”
The group reminded the public of Nigeria’s historic support for Palestine, referencing its recognition of the Palestinian state in 1988 and its vote in favor of Palestine's observer status at the United Nations in 2012. It also cited a 2024 statement by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who publicly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza while on a diplomatic trip to Qatar.
The Islamic Movement expressed concern over what it described as a “sudden double standard” in Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in light of the country’s new partnership with what the group repeatedly referred to as “the illegal state of Israel.”
The statement pointed to growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including a genocide case brought before the International Court of Justice by South Africa and supported by several countries. It also cited economic sanctions imposed by nations such as Turkey and the United Kingdom as evidence of Israel’s international isolation.
Beyond demanding Abusafiah’s release, the IMN also called for the immediate termination of all security pacts between Nigeria and Israel, alleging that Israel’s role in Africa has historically involved fueling instability to drive arms sales and intelligence operations.
“We therefore call on our professors, writers, media practitioners, and all Nigerians to come out and condemn this shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy,” the statement urged.
The group also appealed to the Muslim community to use the ongoing Islamic month of Rabiul Awwal, traditionally a time of unity and reflection, to protest the arrest and show solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This year’s Maulud celebration, themed “Uniting Muslim Ummah in Support of Palestine,” is expected to amplify that call.
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