The Polish government has refuted claims that its nationals, who were recently arrested in Kano, Nigeria, displayed Russian flags during a protest.
The detainees, six students and their lecturer from the University of Warsaw, were arrested on August 6 during the #EndBadGovernance protest, where some Nigerians rallied against economic hardship. Also arrested were six Spanish nationals.
According to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria, the Polish citizens were detained “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.” However, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly denied these allegations.
The Polish news outlet, TVP World, reported that the ministry clarified that the students and their lecturer were not involved in the protest but were merely taking photos.
The students, who are studying African Studies at the Oriental Studies Faculty, University of Warsaw, were in Nigeria as part of an exchange programme at Bayero University, Kano. They arrived in Nigeria on August 1 and were scheduled to return to Poland in early September.
Anna Modzelewska, the Press Officer for the University of Warsaw, emphasized that the university’s top priority is securing the release of the detained students. She confirmed that the University’s Rector, Alojzy Nowak, is in contact with the detainees and that efforts are being made to gather more information regarding the charges against them.
Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Jakub Wisniewski, has also urged the Nigerian government to ensure the safe return of the detainees, expressing scepticism over the claim that they waved the Russian flag.
Meanwhile, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, advised the Polish authorities to remain patient and allow the investigation to conclude.
He emphasised that the Nigerian government is within its rights to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
In a related development, Omooba Ayoola, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, has appealed to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the detained students and their lecturer. Ayoola, based in Warsaw, urged President Tinubu to consider the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations between Nigeria and Poland and to ensure that the students can continue with their academic exchange programme.
