The Borno State Police Command has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five persons linked to the controversial “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts, insisting that the case is based on alleged criminal offences and not political opinion.
The command said it decided to issue the clarification following widespread public reactions and reports suggesting that the suspects were arrested solely because of the messages printed on the T-shirts.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command said the five suspects were arrested on September 25, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. during a routine patrol around the West End Roundabout in Maiduguri.
According to the police, officers on patrol intercepted the suspects over alleged conduct capable of causing a public disturbance.
The statement said a search conducted after their arrest led to the recovery 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.”
Police said the suspects were taken into custody for investigation, where their statements were obtained before the case was filed in court.
The command maintained that the decision to prosecute the suspects followed the completion of preliminary investigations and was aimed at allowing the court to determine the issues raised in the case.
Rejecting claims that the action was politically motivated, the police said the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral in political matters.
“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,” the statement read.
The police further stated that “the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take its course.”
The command appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and allow the legal process to run its course.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it,” the statement added.
The arrest has attracted public attention in recent days, with some groups expressing concern over reports that the suspects were detained because they wore T-shirts carrying the words “Tinubu Must Go.” The police, however, insist that the charges before the court relate to the outcome of their investigation and that the judiciary will determine the matter based on the evidence presented.
The Borno State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property, assuring residents that it will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour.