The Borno State Police Command has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five men found wearing or in possession of T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go,” saying the case was not based solely on the political message displayed on the clothing.
The Command said the suspects were apprehended during a routine police patrol in Maiduguri and were allegedly found with suspected illicit drugs and other items, in addition to the T-shirts.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
The police said the suspects were arrested at about 6pm on September 25, 2026, around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.
According to the Command, officers conducting township patrols encountered the five men and subsequently took them into custody after allegedly discovering several items in their possession.
“The suspects were found in possession of: 1. 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp; 2. 100 tablets suspected to be D5; 3. One shisha pot; 4. One Scissors; 5. Two T-shirts bearing the inscription ‘Tinubu Must Go.’”
The police said preliminary investigations were conducted following the arrests, with statements obtained from the suspects before the matter was taken to court.
The Command stressed that the men were prosecuted over allegations including inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected drug substances, rather than simply because of the message on the T-shirts.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint,” the statement read.
It added, “The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.”
According to the police, referring the case to court was intended to ensure that the allegations were subjected to the appropriate judicial process.
The Command also urged members of the public to avoid relying on unverified reports and allow the court to determine the matter on the basis of the evidence presented.
The police clarification followed controversy generated by the arrest of the five men, identified in earlier reports as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed.
Earlier accounts had alleged that the men conspired to produce and wear the “Tinubu Must Go” shirts with the intention of causing a breach of public peace around the West End Roundabout community.
They were subsequently arraigned and remanded on charges including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under relevant provisions of the Borno State Penal Code.
The arrests have attracted criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures.
Amnesty International condemned the arrests, characterising them as arbitrary and alleging that the case amounted to selective action against political dissent.
The organisation argued that expressing political disagreement through clothing constitutes a fundamental right and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the five men, as well as the withdrawal of what it described as a “sham trial based on bogus charges.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticised the arrests and called for the release of the suspects.
The Borno police, however, maintained that its actions were based on the allegations against the suspects and reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.
(Ripples)
