MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — The Borno State Police Command has explained why five men arrested in Maiduguri and linked to T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” were taken to court. The police said the suspects were not prosecuted solely because of the political message on their clothing.
The clarification followed widespread reactions to the arrest and arraignment of the five men. Concerns had been raised over freedom of expression and political dissent ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Details of the Arrest
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, the police said officers arrested the suspects during a routine township patrol. The arrest took place around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri on September 25, 2026.
The officers apprehended the five men at about 6pm. They allegedly recovered several items from their possession.
Items Recovered
The police listed the items as 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. They also recovered 100 tablets suspected to be D5. Other items included one shisha pot, one pair of scissors, and two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
The command said the suspects were subjected to preliminary investigation after their arrest. Statements were obtained from them before the case was taken to court.
Police Clarification
The police maintained that the men were prosecuted over allegations including inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery, and possession of suspected drug substances. They said the prosecution was not simply for wearing shirts critical of President Bola Tinubu.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution. It does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint,” the statement said.
The command added that its actions were guided by fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability, and transparency. It urged members of the public to rely on verified information. It also asked the public to allow the court to determine the case based on the evidence presented.
The Suspects and Charges
The suspects were identified as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio, and Abdulhamid Mohammed.
A First Information Report dated September 29 was issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Maiduguri. The FIR accused the men of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace, and thuggery. The charges were brought under Sections 60, 78, 79, and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
According to the FIR, the police alleged that the defendants conspired to print T-shirts bearing the words “Tinubu Must Go.” The intention, the police said, was to cause a breach of public peace around the West End Roundabout community in Maiduguri.
Court Proceedings
The five men reportedly pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri. Their lawyers subsequently applied for bail. The court reportedly adjourned the matter until October 6 for a ruling on the bail application. The substantive case was reported to have been fixed for October 26.
Human Rights Concerns
The case has attracted criticism from human rights advocates. Amnesty International condemned the arrests. The organisation argued that peaceful political expression should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. It called for the men’s release and the withdrawal of the charges.
The police have insisted that the case is about criminal conduct, not political expression. For now, the court will decide the matter based on the evidence presented.
