Why Five Men Wearing ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts Were Arrested – Police

The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects apprehended in Maiduguri were prosecuted not merely for donning “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts, but on charges involving inciting public disturbance, breach of peace, thuggery, and illicit drug possession.

In an official statement released Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, law enforcement responded to circulating media reports and public debate regarding the arrests.

According to the police, officers conducting routine patrol operations near the West End Roundabout in Maiduguri intercepted the five individuals on September 25, 2026, at approximately 6:00 pm.

“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 Command confirmed that preliminary investigations were conducted, during which formal statements were recorded from the suspects before the case was formally filed in court.

“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.

“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.”

The police added that bringing the matter before a competent court ensures that due judicial process is followed, advising members of the public to rely on authenticated facts as the court evaluates the evidence.

The official response follows heavy public reaction after news of the arrests emerged. Initial details identified the suspects as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio, and Abdulhamid Mohammed, alleging they conspired to wear the branded shirts to provoke civil unrest.

Under provisions of the Borno State Penal Code, the men were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, and thuggery, before being remanded in custody.

The incident sparked sharp pushback from rights advocates and opposition leaders. Amnesty International denounced the arrests as arbitrary and discriminatory, demanding the immediate release of the men and the dismissal of what it termed a “sham trial.”

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly condemned the police action and demanded the unconditional freedom of the detainees. Maintaining its position, the Borno Police Command reiterated its commitment to impartiality, the rule of law, and public safety.