The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has called on the Nigerian government to take immediate diplomatic action to secure the release of Nigerian peace activist Okey Vitalis Nnorom, who remains in Israeli custody following his participation in a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
In a statement released on Friday, MPAC expressed serious concern over Nnorom’s prolonged detention, noting that he has been held for more than a week after joining the Omar Al-Mukhtar Flotilla — an international effort aimed at delivering aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
While other participants in the mission have reportedly been released, MPAC says Nnorom remains in detention under circumstances it describes as discriminatory and deeply troubling.
“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.”
The flotilla, named after Libyan anti-colonial figure Omar Al-Mukhtar, was organized to challenge the ongoing blockade of Gaza and deliver urgently needed humanitarian supplies. MPAC argues that Nnorom’s continued detention raises concerns about his safety and violates his rights as a humanitarian worker.
In its statement, MPAC outlined it’s demands to include, immediate intervention by Nigerian authorities to secure his release, safe and swift repatriation of Nnorom to Nigeria, and full protection of his rights as a humanitarian activist.
MPAC also called on the international community and Nigerian human rights organizations to lend their voices to the campaign for Nnorom’s release.
“The Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens abroad,” Kamor said. “It must act swiftly to ensure Okey Vitalis’s safety and defend his fundamental rights.”
MPAC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to justice, humanitarian principles, and the protection of Nigerians involved in global peace and relief missions.