#EndBadGovernance: Flying Russian flag in Nigeria is treasonable — Defence Chief to protesters
…DSS arrests sponsors of Russian flags for protesters
…Police arrested 873 rioters, not protesters – Force PRO
…As Russia denies involvement in #EndBadGovernance protest
By Matthew Denis
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha, on Monday, said those flying Russian flags in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence.
Mustapha, while speaking with journalists after an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, vowed that the law would catch up with such people.
He warned those calling for a coup, adding that the military has accepted democracy and regime change would never be allowed.
Mustapha said, “We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started all the security agencies can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started they said it was a peaceful one but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.
“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.
“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive. We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what will continue to defend.
“For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because you know, the flies were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that.
“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria. And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquillity in Nigeria that we have assured Mr. President.
“We’ve said that clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those who have done that will go in for the books and they want to be prosecuted.”
…DSS arrests sponsors of Russian flags for protesters
The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of sponsors of tailors sewing Russian flags for #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kano.
This development comes as the protest enters its 10th day, with protesters seen waving Russian flags in various parts of the country.
In a statement on Monday, the DSS confirmed the arrest of the sponsors and tailors, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
“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,” the DSS said.
The protesters’ use of Russian flags has sparked concerns about foreign influence in the protests.
On Thursday, the protest commenced in many parts of the country, with some protesters in Kano waving Russian flags and urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene in the situation in Nigeria.
Similar scenes were seen in Jos and Abuja, with protesters holding Russian flags.
The DSS has also recovered 1,200 bags of rice stolen from the federal government’s consignment to Katsina State. The operatives also arrested criminal elements involved in the diversion.
DSS Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. He said the arrested saboteurs had also diverted 48 bags of rice kits. Afunanya stated that the DSS had been proactive in tackling various security challenges in the country, including oil theft, kidnapping, burglary, cultism, terrorism, and insurgency.
He said, “In July, we arrested several criminal elements involved in these activities. We also seized semi-automatic double barrel, cartridges, pump action rifles, locally-made pistols, IED initiators, AK47 rifles, magazines, and batteries.”
…Police arrested 873 rioters, not protesters — Force PRO
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the 873 individuals arrested during the nationwide protest were not protesters, but rioters engaged in criminal activities.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this distinction during a news conference in Abuja on Monday.
He emphasised that the police only arrested individuals who were involved in criminal activities such as armed robbery, homicide, and malicious damage to private and public facilities.
Adejobi stated, “We have arrested 873 suspects so far, and these suspects are those who are directly connected to one criminal offence or the other. We are not arresting protesters, we are arresting rioters.”
He also denied that the police attacked journalists covering the protests, saying they only prevented people from gathering at unauthorised places.
Adejobi added that some individuals had been arrested for treasonable felony for carrying foreign flags during the protests.
…Russia denies involvement in #EndBadGovernance protest
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement or interference in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest, despite the use of Russian flags by some protesters in northern Nigeria.
The Embassy stated that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria, and that the protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
“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 statement said.
The Embassy emphasised that Russia respects Nigerian democracy and believes that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy.
However, it condemned any disruptions or acts of violence that may arise from the protests.
