Russia Denies Bankrolling Ekpoma Protests, Warns Against Misinformation

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has responded to reports linking a Nigerian resident in Russia to the alleged funding of student protests in Ekpoma, Edo State.

The response followed remarks made on January 13 by Patrick Ebojele, press secretary to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who suggested that a Nigerian living in Russia might be involved in the Ekpoma demonstrations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the embassy noted that two draft agreements are currently under review by the Nigerian government. Once finalized, these agreements would facilitate joint investigations between the two countries.

The proposed agreements involve collaboration between Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice, as well as between the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior.

The embassy explained that once these agreements are signed, they would enable Nigerian and Russian law enforcement agencies to work more effectively on cases involving Nigerian citizens accused of illegal activities.

It further highlighted that a 2018 Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, previously signed by both nations, has yet to take effect because it has not been approved by the Nigerian government.

The Russian Embassy urged Nigeria to expedite the review of the pending agreements to strengthen cooperation between relevant agencies in both countries, particularly in preventing criminal and unlawful activities.