Borno police clarify arrest of five men wearing ‘Tinubu must go’ t-shirts

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 reading “Tinubu Must Go,” saying the case was not based solely on the political message emblazoned on the clothing.

The command said the suspects were arrested during a routine police patrol in Maiduguri and were allegedly found carrying illegal drugs and other items, apart from T-shirts.

This clarification was contained in a statement from the Head of Public Relations of the National Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, Wednesday, on behalf of the Police Commissioner.

Police said the suspects were arrested at around 6pm on September 25, 2026, around the West End Roundabout area of ​​Maiduguri.

According to the Command, officers on city patrol encountered the five men and then detained them after allegedly finding some of their belongings.

“The suspects were found in possession of: 1. 15 packets of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp; 2. 100 tablets suspected to be D5; 3. One shisha pot; 4. One pair of scissors; 5. Two t-shirts with the words ‘Tinubu Must Go.'”

Police said a preliminary investigation was carried out following the arrest, with statements obtained from the suspects before the matter went to court.

The command stressed that the men were being tried on charges including sedition, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of illegal drugs, not just because of the message on the T-shirts.

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“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons based on political affiliation or viewpoint,” the statement read.

He added, “The Command remains committed to the protection of human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the implementation of its responsibilities.”

According to the police, bringing the case to court is intended to ensure that the charges go through the appropriate judicial process.

The command also urged the public not to rely on unverified reports and let the courts determine the matter based on the evidence presented.

The police clarification follows controversy generated by the arrest of the five men, identified in previous reports as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yaman, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed.

Previous reports alleged that the men conspired to produce and wear “Tinubu Must Go” t-shirts with the aim of disturbing public peace around the West End Roundabout community.

They were subsequently charged and detained on charges including criminal conspiracy, sedition, disturbing public peace and thuggery under the relevant provisions of the Borno State Criminal Code.

The arrests drew criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures.

Amnesty International condemned the arrests, assessing them as arbitrary and stating that the case was a selective act against political dissent.

The organization argued that expressing political dissent through clothing is 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 false accusations.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the arrests and called for the release of the suspects.

Borno police, however, stated that its action was based on allegations against the suspects and reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and protection of life and property.