The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects arrested in Maiduguri were not arrested or prosecuted simply for wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, following public reactions to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
According to Daso, the suspects were arrested over allegations including inciting public disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit substances.
The command also rejected suggestions that the arrests and prosecution were politically motivated, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional and non-partisan institution that does not discriminate against individuals based on their political affiliation or views.
“The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to 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 substances,” the statement said.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested on September 25, 2026, at about 6pm during a routine township patrol around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.
The command said the five suspects were allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance and 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 pair of scissors and two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigations, during which statements were obtained from them. The police said the case was later charged to court after the initial investigation was completed.
The command reiterated that the presence of the political message on the T-shirts was not, in itself, the basis for the arrests or prosecution.
“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 said.
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, upholding the rule of law, ensuring due process, and promoting accountability and transparency.
The command said the decision to take the matter before a competent court was intended to allow the judicial process to determine the case based on the facts and evidence presented.
It urged members of the public to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter.
The Borno State Police Command said it remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.
