Polish diplomats are pushing for the release of seven citizens detained in Kano, Nigeria, during protests. The detainees, six students, and a lecturer, were reportedly arrested for displaying Russian flags. Polish officials dispute this, urging Nigeria to allow the group to return home.
Polish diplomats are making strides in securing the release of seven citizens detained in Kano, Nigeria, amid ongoing protests. The group, consisting of six students and a lecturer from Warsaw University, was participating in a Hausa language study program when they were arrested, allegedly for displaying Russian flags during a demonstration. However, Polish authorities find this claim dubious.
The Polish consul in Abuja met with the detained individuals, who are reportedly in good health and staying in a hotel in a reputable area. No formal charges have been filed, and investigations are ongoing. Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister, Jakub Wisniewski, has urged Nigerian officials to allow the detainees to return home, emphasizing that their actions may have stemmed from a lack of understanding of local customs.
The situation has sparked reactions on social media, with users expressing skepticism about the arrest. One user humorously likened the incident to a personal experience at a market, while another criticized Nigeria's security forces for their actions. A different user speculated that the arrests might be an excuse to suppress protests against Nigerian President Tinubu's policies.