Abuja, Nigeria – Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has called on the international community and diplomatic partners to intervene in the continued detention of Nigerian humanitarian activist, Okey Vitalis Nnorom, also known as Michael, who remains in custody after participating in a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Senator Bassey said the Nigerian Senate is deeply concerned about “credible reports” confirming that Nnorom, who took part in the Omar Al Mokhtar Flotilla—a vessel under the Global Freedom Flotilla initiative delivering aid to Gaza—has not been released as earlier reported.
Contrary to claims that he was handed over to the Nigerian Embassy in Jordan, recent updates indicate that Nnorom is still being held alongside three Moroccan nationals, one Algerian, and one Spanish national.
Describing the detention as “an unacceptable breach of international law and a violation of basic human rights,” Senator Bassey condemned what he termed the manipulation of facts and lack of transparency surrounding the situation.
“The unlawful detention of Okey Vitalis Nnorom is a serious concern to Nigeria and the global humanitarian community,” Bassey said. “We are calling for a coordinated diplomatic and international response to ensure his immediate and unconditional release.”
He urged the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intensify diplomatic efforts with relevant international actors and engage directly with the detaining authorities to secure Nnorom’s freedom.
Senator Bassey also appealed to international organizations such as the United Nations, African Union, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch to hold those responsible to account, insisting that peaceful humanitarian missions must be protected worldwide.
“Those who dedicate their lives to humanitarian service embody the highest values of humanity. To detain them unlawfully is to attack the ideals of compassion and justice that unite nations,” he said.
The lawmaker reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, particularly those involved in global peace and humanitarian initiatives, adding that his committee would continue to monitor the case until Nnorom regains his freedom.
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