According to the journalist, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, the Shi’ite group initially used the Russian flags, and this gesture was quickly adopted by other protesters.
One protester, Haruna, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, clarified that he wasn’t affiliated with IMN. He mentioned that the flags were brought to challenge the Nigerian government’s policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy. Haruna emphasized that while he opposed the Israeli flag, he supported the use of the Russian flag as a statement of protest.
IMN member Isah Bawa confirmed that Shi’ite protesters participated and displayed the Russian flags, but stated that there was no official directive from their leaders regarding this action.
In a related incident, Abdullahi Maishayi, a tea vendor in Fagge, was briefly detained by the State Security Service (SSS) after a Russian flag was found at his shop. Maishayi, who is not associated with IMN, denied knowing who placed the flag there, explaining that his establishment serves a diverse clientele.
Reports indicate that the use of Russian flags in Kano’s protests was first observed on Sunday and continued into Monday, particularly on IBB Way. Protesters in various areas embraced the flags, claiming there was no political motive behind their choice.
The Russian embassy in Nigeria issued a statement distancing itself from the flag-waving, clarifying that neither the Russian government nor its officials were involved.
The Nigerian government condemned the display of Russian flags and any calls for military intervention by some protesters, labeling these actions as treasonous.
