Seven Polish nationals, six students and a lecturer from the University of Warsaw, were detained by security operatives in Kano State during the ten-day protests over high cost of living tagged #EndBadGovernance.
The group was detained on Monday, 5th August “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags,” according to Peter Afunanya, spokesperson of the Department of State Services.
During the protests which began on 1st August and ended on 10th August, protesters across different cities were seen with Russian flags. Military and police authorities denounced this act and issued stern warnings followed by arrests of some of the flag bearers.
The Polish government has denied reports that its citizens were not carrying Russian flags when they were arrested, but were only taking photos.
Polish deputy foreign minister Andrzej Szejna told the Polish Press Agency that the Poles “were not carrying any flags, but were taking photos, it seems.”
The University of Warsaw has confirmed that the detainees are from its Faculty of Oriental Studies and said they were accused of violating local law by venturing out at night outside their accommodation.
“It has been determined that their going out at night outside their accommodation was considered by the local police to be a violation of local law,” wrote the university, which said it is working alongside the diplomatic service to support the group and secure their release.
The Polish Foreign Ministry said they are working to establish the “exact circumstances of the incident with local authorities in order to support our citizens.” It is also in contact with the families of those who have been detained.
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