The Borno State Police Command has said five men arrested in Maiduguri while wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” were not arrested because of their political views, but over alleged possession of substances suspected to be illicit drugs and conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
The command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Nahum Daso, on Wednesday, said the suspects were arrested during a routine township patrol around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri on September 25, 2026.
According to the command, the suspects were allegedly found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one pair of scissors, and two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
Daso said the suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them, before the case was charged to court.
He stated, “The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the viral reports and widespread public discourse concerning the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects in connection with allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery, and being in possession of drug substance.
“On 25 September 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
“The suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one scissors, and two T-shirts bearing the inscription ‘Tinubu Must Go.’”
The command said the decision to prosecute the suspects was taken after the completion of the preliminary investigation and was intended to allow a competent court to determine the matter.
It, however, rejected suggestions that the arrest and prosecution were based on the suspects’ political affiliation or viewpoint.
“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 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,” he added.
The command urged members of the public to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it.
“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability, and the protection of lives and property,” the statement concluded.
