The Borno State Police Command has arrested and arraigned five men in Maiduguri for allegedly printing and wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
According to a First Information Report (FIR) issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and verified through court officials, the suspects are Baba Aji Gremami, 44, Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32, Adam Umar Gubio, 21, and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.
The document, dated September 29, 2026, stated that the incident occurred on September 25 at about 11:00 a.m. around the West End Roundabout community in the state capital.
The police charged the defendants with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace, and thuggery — offences the prosecution said are contrary to Sections 60, 78, 79, and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
When the case was brought before Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri, all five defendants pleaded not guilty. Their counsel subsequently filed a bail application.
The presiding judge adjourned the matter to October 6, 2026, for ruling on bail, while substantive trial was fixed for October 26, 2026.
The arrest has sparked outrage, with condemnation from social media commentators and Amnesty International.
The police action has also fuelled allegations from critics accusing a prominent state politician of orchestrating the detentions to stifle opposition — claims that could not be independently verified.
In a statement, Amnesty International described the charges as bizarre and labelled the detention as arbitrary arrest.
The organisation said expressing peaceful political dissent through clothing is a fundamental human right, not a criminal offence.
“Clearly, the intention of this reign of repression in Borno State appears to be selective injustice to curtail the opposition in the political space. It is sadly creating a toxic climate of fear that is contrary to the democratic principles of freedom and justice,” the statement read.
Amnesty International demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees and urged authorities to drop what it termed a “sham trial based on bogus charges.”
