Victor Ezeja
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested some tailors allegedly responsible for making Russian flags distributed to people who participated in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Kano State.
Videos that went viral showed protesters waving Russian flag in Kano.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement via its X handle on Monday, 5 August, DSS said it has also arrested and detained some of their sponsors.
The agency made the disclosure while denying claims that one of the protest mobilisers, Michael Adaramoye also known as Michael Lenin, is its custody.
“The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody. Meanwhile, the Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. Investigation is ongoing,” DSS stated.
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It however did not state how many of the tailors and their sponsors were arrested.
One of the protesters told Reuters in Kano that they are waving the Russian flag because Tinubu’s government is not listening to them and “Russian presidents always support African nations’ development, unlike other nations.”
‘Russia Not Involved’
However, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the activity.
In a statement released by the Embassy on Monday evening it said it has no connection in any form with the protesters.
“The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way,” the embassy stated.
The protesters had while waving Russian flags, called for military coup in Nigeria.
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The incident sparked concerns, especially given Russia’s increased security ties with some countries in the region, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger where military leaders have taken over power in coups.
Reacting to the incident, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said on Monday, that waving a foreign flag during anti-government protests is a “treasonable offence.” Musa said they have identified those sponsoring them and would take necessary action.
The nationwide protest that started on Thursday, 1 August in response to the rising cost of living crisis in the country took a violent turn in parts of the country, resulting in death of over 20 people and destruction of public facilities.
The protesters believe that current economic hardship in the country was caused by policies introduced by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration such as the removal of subsidies on petrol and electricity tariff and floating of the naira which led to devaluation of the local currency in the foreign exchange market.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
