Updated: Protesters flying Russian flag will be charged with treason, says Defence chief

Updated: Protesters flying Russian flag will be charged with treason, says Defence chief

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Monday said protesters anywhere in the country flying Russian flag will face treason charges.

The CDS said those flying such flag at protest grounds in northern Nigeria had committed a treasonable offence.

Newstrends.ng on Monday reported  protesters of the #EndBadGovernance were waving Russian flags in places such as Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Nasarawa.

This prompted the imposition of a 24-curfew in Kaduna among others.

However, speaking after an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, Gen. Musa vowed that the law would catch up with such people.

He said, “To carry Russian flags in Nigeria, that is crossing the red line. And we will not accept that. And those who have done that will go in for it and they will be prosecuted.”

Musa also warned those calling for a coup, adding that the military had accepted democracy and regime change would never be allowed.

He said, “We went to brief Mr President on the situation on the ground and we know that since the riot has started, all the security agencies, you can see all of us together.

“Initially, when the riot started they said it was a peaceful one but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.

“And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening

“And besides, all of us have seen where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable.

“We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.

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“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive.

“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for democracy is what will continue to defend.

“For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because you know, the flies were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against them.

“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria.

“And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquillity in Nigeria that we have assured Mr. President.

“We’ve said that clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand.”