We, the undersigned international human rights organizations, express our deep concern regarding the detention of Egyptian citizen Ali Mahmoud Abdel Wanees in Nigeria and the increasing risk of his forcible extradition to the Egyptian authorities. We call on the Nigerian authorities to immediately halt these proceedings, as Ali faces a real risk of torture and ill-treatment if extradited, in flagrant violation of Nigeria’s international obligations.
Case Background
Ali Abdel Wanees was arrested in Nigeria based on an in absentia judgment issued against him in Egypt, sentencing him to fifteen years’ imprisonment. Human rights organizations consider this case to be politically motivated and lacking the most basic standards of a fair trial. His extradition to a country known for its poor record in dealing with political opponents would pose a direct threat to his personal safety and life, especially in light of multiple reports documenting the use of torture as a tool of political repression.
Legal Basis and Demands
The extradition of Ali Abdel Wanees to Egypt constitutes a direct violation of the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international human rights law. It also contravenes Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which prohibits States from extraditing any person if there are substantial grounds for believing they would be at risk of torture. As a State Party to this Convention, Nigeria bears a legal obligation to protect individuals from such danger.
Accordingly, we call on the Nigerian authorities to:
- Immediately and completely halt the extradition of Ali Mahmoud Abdel Wanees.
- Secure his prompt release and facilitate his safe departure from the country, or allow him to apply for asylum should he so wish.
- Fulfil Nigeria’s international obligations under the Convention Against Torture and international human rights law.
Appeal to the International Community
We call on the international community and relevant UN bodies to urgently intervene and exert pressure on the Nigerian government to ensure the safety of Ali Abdel Wanees and safeguard his right to protection. Protecting individuals from torture and ill-treatment is a non-derogable obligation and a true test of States’ commitment to international law.
Signatory Organizations
- EFDI International – Belgium
- Victims of Torture – Geneva
- Justice for Human Rights (JHR) – Turkey
- Tawasul for Human Rights – The Hague
- Human Rights Monitor – London
- Solidarity for Human Rights – Geneva
- Egyptian Human Rights Council – Geneva
- Alkarama for Human Rights – Geneva
- CEDAR for Human Rights – Lebanon
- El-Shehab Center for Human Rights – London
- Free Voice for Human Rights – Paris
- Najda for Human Rights – London
- International Lawyers Organization
- SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties – Geneva
