"They were found in possession of drug substances" - Borno police deny claims suspects were arrested over “TINUBU Must Go” T-shirts

Thursday, October 1, 2026 -The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects arrested in Maiduguri were not prosecuted for wearing “Tinubu Must Go,” T-shirts. 

The spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 following public reactions to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.

According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested over allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of drug substances.

The Command distances the arrests and prosecution from political discrimination, insisting 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 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,” the statement read.

"Brief of the Case: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.

"The suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, ⁠100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one Scissors, two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”

"The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them.

"Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to 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 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 Command further emphasizes that the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take 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 Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property