A total of 86 suspects have been arrested by Police operatives in Kano and Gombe States over possession of Russian flags during the ongoing hardship protest in Nigeria.
In Kano, Commissioner of Police, Salma Dogo, disclosed that 76 people were arrested in connection with 25 Russian flags recently held by protesters in various parts of the state.
Dogo added that a Nigerian believed to be responsible for sewing the Russian flags was among those arrested.
He said: “The suspects were found with 25 Russian flags and their arrest has been linked to a case of sedition,”
“The suspects were apprehended at different locations across the metropolis and have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation”.
The commissioner of police urged residents to support the efforts of security personnel by providing vital information that could help the quest to arrest those involved in the recent looting of public assets.
Dogo assured the public that the police and other security agencies would sustain a visible presence in and around the environment to ensure law and order.
He admonished parents to monitor the conduct and behaviour of their children, stressing that anyone found making trouble would be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, in Gombe, Police Commissioner Hayatu Usman has revealed to journalists that 10 protesters were arrested in the state for displaying Russian flags during their protests.
Usman pointed out that the protesters’ act disrespected the national symbol, emphasizing that they have, by that action, committed treasonable felony and other related offences.
He said: “On Monday, we saw the unsettling display of foreign(Russian) flags by some protesters.
“This act not only disrespects our national symbols, but also commits treasonable felony.
“So far, 10 suspects been arrested flying Russian flags.”
He disclosed that the total number of suspects in police custody over violent protests in the state had risen to 111.
Giving a breakdown, he said nine persons were detained for their involvement in violent protests and attacks on policemen, while 92 suspects have been picked for alleged vandalism and looting of public and private property.
According to reports, Police operatives in Kano and Gombe States stated that so far, no loss of life had been recorded since the commencement over of the protest in Gombe State.
