Borno Police Debunk 'Tinubu Must Go' T-shirt Arrests, Pinpoint Drugs and Thuggery

The Borno State Police Command has issued a clarification regarding the recent apprehension of five individuals in Maiduguri, asserting that their prosecution is unrelated to their attire bearing “Tinubu Must Go” inscriptions. ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command's spokesperson, released a statement on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, aiming to address public reactions and widespread reports surrounding the arrests and subsequent legal actions.

According to the PPRO, the suspects were primarily charged with allegations of inciting public disturbance, breaching public peace, engaging in thuggery, and possessing illicit drug substances. The Command explicitly disassociated itself from any claims of political discrimination concerning the arrests and prosecution, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s stance as a professional, non-partisan institution that does not discriminate based on political affiliation or viewpoint.

The official statement detailed the sequence of events leading to the arrests: "The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the 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 substance.” It further elaborated that "On 25 September, 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance."

Upon their apprehension, the suspects were found in possession of various items, specifically "15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, ⁠100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one Scissors, [and] two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”" A preliminary investigation was subsequently conducted, during which statements were obtained from all five individuals. Following the completion of this initial inquiry, the case was formally charged in court.

The Borno Police Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding fundamental human rights, upholding the rule of law, ensuring due process, and maintaining accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities. The Command also stressed that the decision to refer the matter to a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to proceed. Members of the public are therefore advised to rely on verified information and permit the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented.