Dr. Hassan Gimba slams govt over Palestinian leader’s arrest, condemns arbitrary killings by Israel
Tension has erupted in Nigeria following the recent arrest of Ramzy Ibrahim Abu, the recognised head of the Palestinian community in the country, by operatives believed to be from the Anti-Terrorism Squad.
Dr Hassan Gimba, Nigerian journalist, publisher, author, and public affairs commentator, was hosted by SalaaMedia’s Salaelo Makhwidiri. During a live interview aired on SalaaMedia’s YouTube channel and social media platforms in the early hours of Thursday, September 11th, he described the arrest as deeply troubling.
He argued that Abu’s detention is linked to his outspoken defence of the Palestinian cause and efforts to build unity among Nigerians.
“Ramzy happens to be the Palestinian leader in Nigeria,” Dr Gimba explained. “He has been creating awareness about the suffering of his people and making both Christians and Muslims understand that what is happening in Gaza is not about religion. Churches as well as mosques have been destroyed, and Christians are also among the victims.”
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According to Dr Gimba, this message of unity has unsettled some foreign interests. “Israel got jittery,” he said. “Their foreign minister came to Nigeria and started accusing Iran of sponsoring terrorism. Then they went to meet Christian leaders here, trying to sow seeds of division so that Nigerians would not unite in support of Palestine.”
He further alleged that Abu’s arrest was thoughtless and impertinent. “They feel they must take people like Abu Ramzy out of circulation, and that’s what they did. He was accused of encouraging terrorism, but he has not been taken to court. In any civilised society, an arrest should be followed by charges within 24 hours, yet weeks have passed and nothing has happened.”
Dr Gimba also criticised the broader tactics of Israel and its allies. “There is no country in the world so proud of assassinating people like Israel,” he claimed. “The US does it, but they don’t boast openly. Israel wants to start doing the same in Nigeria, and that is a dangerous precedent.”
Muslim organisations in Nigeria, along with rights groups, have called for Abu’s immediate release, warning that the arrest could set off a chain of mistrust and profiling against the Palestinian community and Muslims at large. “There’s a belief by anyone following world events that something nasty and evil may be unleashed,” Dr Gimba warned.
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In the interview, he pointed to global examples of solidarity, including flotillas that attempted to deliver aid to Gaza. “These ships are not Muslim initiatives; many are led by Europeans and Christians who simply want to help based on humanity,” he said. “It shows this issue transcends religion.”
The arrest has prompted comparisons with South Africa’s strong stance at the International Court of Justice against Israel. Dr Gimba welcomed Pretoria’s action but urged consistency: “If you are serious about taking someone to court, then you should also be serious about not doing business with them.”
After appreciating his special guest, Salaelo said Nigeria is the “Big Juggernaut” of African countries, however, the country’s voice isn’t striking loud and powerful enough when things like this happen.
Mr Abu was reportedly picked up from his Abuja residence on 22 August 2025 and has not been seen publicly since. Despite the gravity of the move, no official statement has been issued by Nigerian security agencies, leaving questions about his whereabouts and the charges he may be facing.
As pressure mounts, concerned parties insist the government must either release Mr Abu or present evidence in court. Until then, Dr Gimba laments that his continued detention will remain a symbol of injustice and a test of Nigeria’s role as a regional giant expected to stand on the side of the oppressed.
Click the video below to watch the full discussion on SalaaMedia’s YouTube channel:
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