The head of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, was arrested in Abuja on Friday by operatives who identified themselves as members of an anti-terrorism squad, according to his relatives.
A family member told SaharaReporters that Mr Abu Ibrahim was taken from his residence in the Federal Capital Territory and that the family has not been informed of his location or the reason for his detention.
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An official at the Palestinian Embassy in Abuja told the platform that the mission is aware of the development and is still seeking details.
“Yes, we heard about it and we are still trying to process the information,” the official was quoted as saying.
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Mr Abu Ibrahim has lived in Nigeria for decades and has been publicly identified in Nigerian media and by public figures as the leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, as seen here and here.
His relatives suggested his detention might be linked to his recent public advocacy over attacks on journalists and civilians in Gaza, PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify that claim.
This newspaper has reported the Israeli war and Gaza and its toll on civilians, including journalists. Many experts say Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted for crimes committed in Gaza.
On Monday, international outlets reported that Israeli airstrikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing at least 15–20 people, including several journalists.
READ ALSO: On Israel and Palestine: Why a two-state solution still remains the best, By Uddin Ifeanyi
Those reported killed include Hussam al-Masri (a Reuters contractor), Mariam (Maryam) Dagga (an AP freelancer), and Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), while Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled was wounded. Authorities said they were investigating.
As of press time, Nigerian security agencies had not issued a public statement on Mr Abu Ibrahim’s arrest or whereabouts.
PREMIUM TIMES sent an inquiry to police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, requesting further details about the incident. He has not yet responded.
Zakari Mijinyawa, the spokesperson for the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), could not be reached. When contacted, his line was busy, and an SMS sent to him had not been responded to.
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