The Polish government has appealed to the Nigerian government for the release of seven of its citizens who were arrested in Kano for allegedly raising the Russian flag during the recent hunger protest in that city.
Deputy foreign minister Jakub Wisniewski met with Nigeria´s charge d´affaires in Warsaw where he made a case for the release of the arrested persons – a lecturer and six students.
They came from Warsaw University to participate in a Hausa language programme.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- ‘Demonstration Continues’ – Lagos Protest Organizers Declares
- ‘FG’s Policies Major Cause Of Hardship’ – Obaseki Reacts As Edo Protesters Worship On Street
- LSMTL Targets ISO/17025 Accreditation for Global Standards
“During the meeting, I conveyed that I was convinced that the students´ behavior could have resulted from their ignorance of local customs, culture and laws.
“I appealed for the possibility of their return to Poland, to their homes, where their families are waiting for them,” Wisniewski said.
But Wisniewski refused to believe that the students carried Russian flags apparently because of rare pro-Russian sentiment in his country.
The Central European country has bad memories of suffering under Russian rule in the past and the citizens are deeply critical of what they see as Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Wisniewski said the seven Poles were taken to Abuja and are safe.
Poland´s consul was scheduled to meet with them yesterday afternoon.
The Department of State Services (DSS) announced the arrest of the Poles on Wednesday and said they were undergoing interrogation.
FURTHER READING
- Tragic Clash In Bauchi: Youth Shot Dead By Nigerian Soldier
- Protest Against Govt Policies Not Peculiar To Nigeria – Ganduje
- Police Warn Cultists Against Celebrating 8/8 In Osun
The Federal Government warned against foreign interference in the protests, saying “appropriate action” would be meted out to any “foreign entity residing in Nigeria” that directly or indirectly played a role in the demonstrations.
Six Spaniards were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the protests.
Spokesman for the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said of the arrested Poles and others: “For the persons we have picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of the foreign flag, that was two days ago.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
