The Poland has rejected allegations that its citizens were involved in waving Russian flags during a recent protest in Kano State, Nigeria.
News About Nigeria reports that the Polish government claims its nationals were not participating in the protest.
During the protest, some individuals were seen carrying Russian flags in northern states, leading to the arrest of seven Polish nationals by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS had claimed the Polish nationals were involved in the flag incident.
However, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, denies the allegations, stating that the Polish nationals were merely taking photos and did not carry any flags.
Szejna explained that the group consisted of six students and their lecturer who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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.
