The Polish government is pressing for the immediate release of six students and a lecturer detained in Nigeria. The group, from Warsaw University, was in the country on a language study program when they were detained in the northern state of Kano.
According to the Associated Press, the seven Poles were detained on Monday, August 5th. Nigerian authorities claim they were displaying Russian flags with other Nigerians protesting against bad governance. They were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags,” said Peter Afunanya, spokesperson of Nigeria’s secret police.
The Polish Foreign Ministry has denied the allegations by Nigerian authorities. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna has dismissed the claims as unfounded, insisting that the students were merely taking photographs during their visit.
The University of Warsaw confirmed that the detainees are from its Faculty of Oriental Studies and said they were accused of violating local law by venturing out at night outside their accommodation. The university is working with diplomatic services to support the group and secure their release.
“The Polish consular services are seeking their release and are in contact with both the Nigerian authorities and the students’ families,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Szejna.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
