Crackdown on Dissent: Police Arrest Russian Flag Supplier, 30 Protesters

In a recent crackdown, police have arrested over 30 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement for carrying Russian flags during demonstrations in Kano and other states. Among those detained is Ahmed Bello, a flag producer from Kano, who was apprehended with a large quantity of Russian flags.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this announcement during a joint press briefing of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja on Monday. He emphasized that the police are actively pursuing additional suspects, particularly those believed to be sponsoring these actions.

Adejobi highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that the arrested individuals are facing charges of treasonable felony for displaying a foreign nation’s flag within Nigeria. He underscored the gravity of the offense, explaining, “Carrying the flags of a foreign country in another country is a criminal offense. We have arrested individuals engaging in this treasonable felony.”

He further revealed that Ahmed Bello was specifically targeted for producing and distributing Russian flags to young Nigerians, with the intention of having them displayed during protests. “We are currently profiling him and are determined to identify and apprehend other sponsors involved in this activity,” Adejobi added.

The arrests have not been limited to Kano. Similar actions have been taken in Kaduna, where additional protesters were detained under similar circumstances. As of the time of the briefing, a total of 30 individuals had been arrested in connection with the use of Russian flags during the protests.

Adejobi also expressed concern over the direction of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, stating, “The undertones of this protest, based on our intelligence, have begun to manifest. It’s troubling that what started as a domestic protest has now escalated to the point where foreign flags are being flown on Nigerian soil. This raises serious questions about the true nature and intent of these demonstrations.”

The police have indicated that their investigation is ongoing, with further arrests expected as they continue to unravel the network behind these actions.