Why five men with ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-shirts were arrested – Police

Five men were arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, on 25 September 2026. The Borno State Police Command has clarified that the men were not merely charged for wearing T-shirts with the inscription "Tinubu Must Go." Instead, they were arrested for alleged inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery, and possession of drug substances.

According to the police, officers on routine patrol apprehended the suspects around the West End Roundabout area at around 6pm. The men were found with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, a shisha pot, a pair of scissors, and two T-shirts with the inscription "Tinubu Must Go." The police stated that the suspects were investigated, and their statements were recorded before the case was forwarded to the court.

The command emphasized that it is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate based on political affiliation or viewpoint. They also stressed their commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability, and transparency. The decision to charge the suspects to court was to allow the proper judicial process to unfold, and the public was urged to rely on verified information and allow the courts to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented.

The arrests sparked widespread controversy, with Amnesty International and Atiku Abubakar condemning them as arbitrary and unjust. The Borno State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability, and the protection of lives and property.