The Department of State Services (DSS) announced on Monday that it has arrested several tailors in Kano State for sewing Russian flags intended for use in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. This information was shared through an official statement on the DSS’s X handle.
The DSS confirmed that an investigation is underway and that sponsors who funded the production of these flags have also been apprehended. The agency clarified that it has not detained Adaramoye Michael, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, who is also known as Michael Lenin, contrary to some media reports.
“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. An investigation is ongoing,” the statement read.
Earlier on Monday, the police reported the arrest of 30 protesters, including the supplier of the Russian flags. The nationwide protest, which started on Thursday, August 1, is a response to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens over economic hardship and governance issues.
Sunday PUNCH had previously reported concerns from former envoys and ex-military officers over the presence of Russian flags at demonstrations, particularly in some northern states where protesters were seen chanting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia.”
