News
Russian Flag: FG Probes Four Northern Political Bigwigs
Published
1 year agoon
By
Editor
Nigeria’s security agencies are investigating at least four politicians from the country’s northern part over the use of Russian flags by #EndBadGovernance protesters.
Multiple sources told The PUNCH that the political bigwigs, who hail from Katsina, Kaduna and Kano states, were principal actors who instigated the use of Russian flags among demonstrators in the north to fan the embers for an unconstitutional regime change.
“You see, four principal actors have been identified in this issue. They are top politicians from Katsina, Kano and Kaduna and the security agencies are closing in on them,” said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter.
“They played prominent roles in the election of last year (2023),” the source added.
Another source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told one of our correspondents, “There is evidence of external influence mainly involving the politicians who are conniving with a West African and European country to cause mayhem and promote the use of the flags we are seeing. They want to do here what they did in some other countries.”
The nationwide protests against hardship and hunger took a dangerous dimension on Monday, with protesters in some Northern states waving the Russian flag as they chanted “Tinubu must go.”
READ ALSO: #EndBadGovernance Protesters Hoist Russian Flag In Kano, Others, Police Arrest 30
Protesters in Kaduna were seen waving the Russian flag and chanting in Hausa, “Tinubu ze soka’ kaa’sa,” which translates to, “Tinubu must step down.”
They also hailed military personnel, who patrolled the metropolis, chanting, “Tinubu yaa’so’ka, mu’na so soja”, meaning, “Tinubu step down, we want soldiers.”
Russia, an Eastern power currently mired in a cold war with the West, has been blamed for several unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and among others.
The Nigerian military on Monday said persons flying the Russian flag were committing treason and will, therefore, be “prosecuted”. It also said it is investigating those who are instigating the move and will “take serious action” against them.
“That is totally unacceptable…that is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such,” said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, after a meeting of the National Security Council chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
The Department of State Services stated on X.com that it had arrested some tailors sewing Russian flags in Kano State and that some of their sponsors had also been nabbed.
READ ALSO: Russia Speaks On Use Of Its Flag By #EndBadGovernance Protesters
However, protesters with the flag reduced drastically on Tuesday after state security personnel clamped down on them in several states, arresting them and their perceived foreign sponsors.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, disclosed that some foreigners suspected of being behind the protesters were arrested.
Garba, who stated this after a security meeting with Governor Abba Yusuf on Tuesday, vowed that the police and other security agencies would clamp down on anyone who violated the security regulations of the state.
The Kano police boss also announced further relaxation of the curfew from 6am to 6pm.
The same day, the Gombe State Police Command paraded 10 suspects for waving the Russian flag during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.
Briefing journalists at the Criminal Investigation Department of the command, Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, said the outright display of another country’s flag was disrespectful to the nation.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest Suspected Foreign Sponsors Of Protest With Russian Flag
The command’s Public Relations Officer ASP Buhari Abdullahi, who represented Usman, said the protesters were arrested in the violent protest utterly showed disrespect to the country.
“We have seen the unsettling displays of foreign flags by some protesters. This act not only disrespects our national symbols but also commits treasonable felony and related offences. Hence, 10 suspects were arrested flying Russian flags,” Abdullahi stated while parading the suspects.
“The command’s primary goal remains to restore peace and order and protect lives and property. We are committed to a measured response, ensuring that the rights of peaceful protesters are respected while addressing those who engage in violence or unlawful activities.”
He added, “The looting of both public and private property during these protests is a grave concern, for instance, the Gombe State Revenue Recovery Tribunal, Bima Lodge, Gombe State Bureau of Public Service Reform, NITEL Company and Blue -J motors among others. Such action not only undermine the rule of law but also disrupts communities and harm businesses.
“However, the command is coordinating with local communities and other agencies to address these illegal activities and hold those responsible accountable. Therefore, 92 suspects were arrested with some of the vandalised and stolen property and they are still under investigation.”
You may like
Russia Claims More Ukraine Land As Hopes For Summit Fade
Polytechnic Students Declare Nationwide Protest Over Truck Accidents
Russia Returns Bodies Of 1,000 Ukrainian Soldiers
Russian Politicians Mock European Leaders After White House, Ukraine Talks
Top Russian General Seriously Wounded In Ukraine – Officials
Russia, Ukraine War: Trump Rules Out Immediate Ceasefire, Pushes For Peace Deal
News
DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials
Published
2 hours agoon
August 24, 2025By
Editor
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.
The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.
“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.
READ ALSO:
Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
News
‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu
Published
2 hours agoon
August 24, 2025By
Editor
Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.
In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”
READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.
News
Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Published
2 hours agoon
August 24, 2025By
Editor
Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.
In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.
“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!
“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.
READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash
The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.
“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals
Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.
“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.
“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.
- NDLEA Arrests Widow Using Fake Pregnancy To Traffic Cocaine
- Why Nigeria Needs Female President – Presidential Aspirant
- How Cartels Plant Drugs In Travelers’ Bags — NDLEA
- Primate Ayodele Releases Fresh Prophecies On FIRS, FAAN, Others
- DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials
- ‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu
- 2027: You Will Lose 80% Of Northern Muslim Votes If…, APC Forum Warns Tinubu
- Trump Considering Deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia To Uganda
- Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
- SERAP Rejects Proposed Salary Hike For President, Govs, Lawmakers
Trending
- News5 days ago
Edo Issues New Guideline On Education, Says Siblings’ Textbooks Transferable, Bans Graduation For KGs, Others, [A MUST READ]
- Metro5 days ago
Vigilantes Beat, Strip Female Corps Member In Anambra
- Headline4 days ago
UK Bans Sanex Advert For Calling Black Skin ‘Problematic’, White Skin ‘Superior’
- News5 days ago
Chieftaincy Title: Why Ooni Of Ife Won’t React To Alaafin’s 48-hour Threat — Palace Aide
- News4 days ago
Nigerians Call For Mandatory DNA Tests At Birth
- News4 days ago
Yoruba Elders Wade In As Alaafin, Ooni Feud Escalates
- Headline4 days ago
Why I Plotted President Trump’s Assassination – 50-yr-old Woman
- Headline3 days ago
JUST IN: Uganda Reaches Agreement With US To Take Migrants
- Headline4 days ago
Viral TV Judge Frank Caprio Is Dead
- Headline4 days ago
Trump Slams US Museums For Focus On ‘How Bad Slavery Was’