The Nigerian Police Force announced on Monday that 31 individuals have been arrested on charges of treason for producing and distributing Russian flags, as well as calling for anarchy.
Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed that 30 arrests were made in Kaduna, while one person involved in recruiting individuals for flag distribution was apprehended in Kano.
Adejobi revealed that, as of Monday, the total number of individuals arrested in connection with the “End Bad Governance” protest had risen to 873, up from 861 over the weekend.
He clarified that the arrested individuals were not protesters but “criminal elements, rioters.”
Speaking at a Joint Press Briefing of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters, Adejobi stated, “What we are having in the country right now are protests, demonstrations, and riots.
Those arrested are rioters, armed robbers, looters, and criminal elements. Arrest of criminal elements should not be described as arrest of protesters.”
He emphasized that those detained were involved in criminal activities such as vandalism, looting, and attacking public and private properties.
“Let us get it clear,” Adejobi urged.
“The individuals arrested are not protesters but criminally minded persons who engaged in various offenses.”
Addressing allegations of using live bullets against protesters, Adejobi reiterated that the police and other security agencies operated within the rules of engagement.
“Using tear gas against protesters when they resort to violence is allowed anywhere in the world,” he stated.
He also noted that protesters had attempted to occupy critical areas like the NEPA roundabout in Abuja and that security forces were justified in their actions to maintain order.
Adejobi also responded to the controversial waving of Russian flags during the protests.
“To carry the flags of a foreign country on a sovereign land is a criminal offense,” he asserted.
He revealed that one Ahmed Tailor was arrested in Kano for producing and distributing Russian flags.
Additionally, 30 individuals were arrested in Kaduna for similar actions.
The police spokesperson questioned the nature of the ongoing demonstrations, suggesting they may have escalated beyond mere protests.
“The undertones of this protest, based on our intelligence before it commenced on August 1, 2024, have begun to manifest,” he said, expressing concern about the potential implications of waving foreign flags during the protests.
Adejobi concluded by refuting claims that EndSARS protesters were still being held in police facilities.
“No single EndSARS protester is still being incarcerated or kept in any of our facilities in Nigeria,” he declared, challenging anyone to provide evidence to the contrary.
He emphasized that those detained were involved in crimes like armed robbery and murder, not peaceful protests.
