Poland Denies Its Citizens’ Involvement in Russian Flag Incident at Kano Protests, Urges Their Release
Poland has denied accusations that its citizens were involved in waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State.
Some protesters in northern states were seen displaying the Russian flag during the recent nationwide demonstrations.
In response, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested seven Polish nationals in Kano on suspicion of their involvement in the flag incident.
DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya confirmed the arrests during a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps on August 7, stating that the Poles are currently under investigation.
However, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, clarified that the detained Polish citizens, who were six students and their lecturer, were not involved in carrying the Russian flag.
Szejna explained to the Polish news agency PAP that the students were simply taking photos and were mistakenly implicated, stating, “This group of African studies students was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were not carrying any flags, but it appears that their actions were misinterpreted.”
Additionally, Jakub Wisniewski, Undersecretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged the Nigerian government to allow the students to return to Poland, where their families are eagerly awaiting them.
In a statement, Alojzy Nowak, the university rector, emphasized the importance of securing the release of the detained students and their lecturer, noting that their return is a top priority.
