Protest: They were at wrong place – Poland denies nationals waved Russian flag

Poland has denied claims that its nationals were involved in the waving of Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State.

During the just-ended nationwide protest, some protesters were seen brandishing the Russian flag in some States of the North.

Following the brandishing of the Russian flag, the Department of State Services, DSS, arrested seven Polish nationals over the flag saga in Kano.

The spokesman of DSS, Peter Afunanya confirmed during a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps on August 7, saying the Polish are being investigated.

But, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, said the Polish nationals were taking photos and didn’t carry a Russian flag.

Speaking with PAP, a news agency in Poland, Szejna said the Polish nationals are six students and their lecturer.

“This is a group of African studies students who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“They were carrying no flags but it seems that they were taking photos and this had been interpreted in this way,” Szejna said.

Also, Jakub Wisniewski, undersecretary of state at the ministry of foreign affairs of Poland, urged the Nigerian Government to allow the students to “return to Poland and to their homes, where they are awaited by their families”.

In a statement, Alojzy Nowak, the university rector, appealed for the release of the students and the lecturer.

“The release of six African Studies students and a lecturer from our university held in Nigeria is a priority for me,” Nowak said.

Protest: They were at wrong place – Poland denies nationals waved Russian flag