Poland has refuted allegations that its nationals were involved in displaying Russian flags during the recent #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State.
During the nationwide protest, some demonstrators were seen waving Russian flags in various northern states. In response, the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria detained seven Polish nationals in connection with the flag incident in Kano.
DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya confirmed the arrest and stated that the Polish nationals are under investigation. However, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, has denied the claims, asserting that the Polish nationals were not carrying Russian flags but were merely taking photographs.
Szejna told Poland’s PAP news agency that the group, consisting of six students and their lecturer from a university’s African Studies program, found themselves in an unintended situation. He clarified that they did not carry any flags, and their activities were misinterpreted.
Jakub Wisniewski, Poland’s Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has called on the Nigerian government to allow the students to return to Poland to be reunited with their families.
University rector Alojzy Nowak also urged for the release of the detained students and lecturer, emphasizing that securing their freedom is a top priority.
