As reported by an RMF FM reporter on Wednesday, six Polish students of oriental studies at the University of Warsaw and a professor were detained in Nigeria during anti-government protests. The arrest took place on Sunday in Kano state.
They were in the wrong place at the wrong time – Andrzej Szejna, Deputy Foreign Minister, told RMF FM reporter. Polish consular services are in contact with the Nigerian authorities and the families of the students and are working to release them. – said Szejna.
The Poles were detained by Nigerian security services. They have been in custody ever since.
On Wednesday, a message appeared on the University of Warsaw website about the detention of Polish students in Nigeria:
“The detention of students of the University of Warsaw in Nigeria is an event that requires immediate action by the university authorities and the Polish foreign service. Immediately upon receiving information about this event, the Rector of the University of Warsaw ordered that comprehensive measures be taken to clarify the matter, release the students and support their families. Acting on behalf of the Rector of the University of Warsaw, the university rector contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish consular services. Staying in constant contact with them, information was gathered about the whereabouts and the charges against the students. It was determined that leaving the accommodation during the night was considered by local police to be a violation of local law. Authorities at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, where the detained students study, are involved in activities to help the students.
Measures continue to be taken in conjunction with the Polish consul’s presence on site to release the detainees.
The safe return of our students and their guardians to the country is our priority. We must do everything in our power to make this happen as quickly as possible. – it says Prof. Alojzy Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw.
Updated information on the circumstances of the students’ stay in Nigeria (the trip was organized by the Faculty of Oriental Studies of the University of Warsaw) and the necessary documents facilitate dialogue with local services. University and faculty authorities are in constant contact with the students’ families, keeping them informed about the measures taken. We hope that the efforts, actions taken and cooperation so far will contribute to the students’ early release.”
