Ramzy Abu IbrahimI arrested by Nigeria Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad

Operatives of the Nigeria Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad has reportedly arrest the leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, Ramzy Abu Ibrahim in Abuja.

According to a family member who spoke to Sahara Reporters, Abu Ibrahim was picked up from his Abuja residence by the heavily-armed officers on Friday.

“He was arrested on Friday by the security operatives. They identified themselves as the Anti-Terrorism squad. This man is not a stranger in Nigeria. He has been here for over 35 years, and he went to school in this country.

“As we speak, we (the family) don’t know where he is, and we don’t know which station he is being detained. The only reason we might link to his arrest was his recent advocacy on the growing attacks on journalists and other vulnerable people in Gaza,” the family member said.

An official at the Palestinian Embassy in Abuja told the platform that the mission is aware of the development and is still seeking details.

Born on August 23, 1973, 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.

The Guardian reported on Monday that 15 people, including four journalists, were killed after Israeli airstrikes hit al-Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.

This was confirmed by the Palestinian health officials, stating that those killed include Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters cameraman; Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance reporter with the Associated Press; Mohammed Salam of Al Jazeera; and Moaz Abu Taha, who worked with NBC.

Another Reuters journalist, photographer Hatem Khaled, was seriously injured.

Footage broadcast by al-Ghad TV showed civil defence workers and journalists in bright orange vests rushing to recover al-Masri’s body when they themselves came under fire. In their final moments, the rescuers raised their hands for protection before being struck.