The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has called on the Nigerian government to urgently intervene in securing the release of Nigerian peace activist, Okey Vitalis Nnorom, who is currently being held by Israeli authorities following his participation in a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza.
In a statement issued on Friday, MPAC expressed deep concern over Nnorom’s continued detention, noting that he has been in Israeli custody for over a week after taking part in the Omar Al-Mukhtar Flotilla, an international initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
According to MPAC, while other activists who were part of the flotilla have reportedly been released, Nnorom remains in detention, a situation the group describes as “unacceptable” and indicative of discriminatory treatment.
“We are appalled by the blatant disregard for international law and human rights by the Israeli occupation forces,” said MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor. “The Nigerian government must take immediate action to secure Okey Vitalis’s release and ensure his safe return to Nigeria.”
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The Omar Al-Mukhtar Flotilla, named in honour of the Libyan anti-colonial resistance leader, was launched to challenge the blockade on Gaza and provide much-needed humanitarian aid. MPAC has raised concerns that Nnorom’s continued detention not only violates his rights as a humanitarian worker but also poses serious risks to his safety and well-being.
In its appeal, MPAC outlined three key demands which are the immediate diplomatic intervention by the Nigerian government, the safe and prompt return of Okey Vitalis Nnorom to Nigeria, and the full protection of his rights as a humanitarian activist.
The organization also called on the international community and Nigerian human rights organizations to support efforts aimed at securing Nnorom’s release.
“The Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens abroad,” Kamor added. “It must act swiftly to ensure Okey Vitalis’s safety and to defend his fundamental rights.”
MPAC reaffirmed its commitment to standing up for justice, humanitarian values, and the protection of Nigerian citizens engaged in international peace and relief missions.
