We, the international human rights organizations listed below, express our deep concern regarding the detention of Egyptian citizen Ali Mahmoud Abdel-Wanis in Nigeria and the increasing risk of his forced extradition to Egypt. We are preparing to submit a complaint to the United Nations Special Procedures to request their intervention to prevent the extradition of Ali Mahmoud Abdel-Wanis. We also urge the Nigerian authorities to immediately suspend any extradition measures, given that Mr. Abdel-Wanis would face a real risk of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, which would constitute a clear violation of Nigeria’s international obligations.
Background of the Case
Ali Abdel-Wanis was arrested in Nigeria on the basis of a conviction in absentia issued against him in Egypt, sentencing him to fifteen years in prison. Human rights organizations consider that this case shows clear political motivations and does not meet the minimum standards of a fair trial. His extradition to a country known for mistreating political opponents would pose a direct threat to his safety and life, particularly in light of multiple reports documenting the use of torture as a tool of political repression.
Legal Basis and Requests
The extradition of Ali Abdel-Wanis to Egypt would constitute a direct violation of the principle of non-refoulement, a fundamental principle of international human rights law. It would also contravene Article 3 of the United Nations Convention against Torture, which prohibits any State from returning a person when there are substantial grounds to believe they would be at risk of torture. As a State party to this Convention, Nigeria has a legal obligation to protect individuals from such risk.
Accordingly, we request that the Nigerian authorities:
Immediately and definitively suspend the extradition process of Ali Mahmoud Abdel-Wanis;
Release him without delay and allow him either to leave the country or to seek asylum, according to his choice;
Fully comply with their international obligations under the Convention against Torture and international human rights law.
Call to the International Community
We call on the international community and the competent United Nations bodies to urgently intervene and exert pressure on the Nigerian government to ensure the safety of Ali Abdel-Wanis and the respect of his right to protection. Safeguarding individuals against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment is a non-negotiable obligation and represents a true test of States’ respect for international law.
Signatory Organizations:
FDDI International – Belgium
Victims of Torture – Geneva
Justice for Human Rights – Turkey
Tawasul for Human Rights – The Hague
Human Rights Monitor – London
Solidarity for Human Rights – Geneva
Council of Egyptian Rights – Geneva
Dignity for Human Rights – Geneva
CEDAR for Human Rights – Lebanon
Al Shihab for Human Rights – London
Free Voice for Human Rights – Paris
Ngued for Human Rights – London
International Lawyers Organization
SAM for Rights and Freedoms – Geneva