Five men have been arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State, after they were allegedly found wearing T-shirts inscribed with the words “Tinubu Must Go.”
The suspects were identified as Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.
According to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department, the incident happened on September 25, 2026, around West End Roundabout in Maiduguri.
Police accused the five men of offences including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
The charges were filed under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.
Their lawyer subsequently applied for bail, prompting the court to adjourn proceedings until October 6, 2026, for a ruling on the application.
The substantive trial has also been fixed for October 26.
The arrests have generated controversy, particularly over whether wearing clothing bearing a political message can amount to a criminal offence.
Amnesty International condemned the prosecution, describing the arrests as arbitrary and arguing that peaceful political expression is protected under fundamental human rights.
The rights organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release of the five men and urged the authorities to discontinue what it described as a trial founded on questionable charges.
Amnesty also alleged that the case reflected a broader attempt to restrict political opposition in Borno State, saying such actions could create fear and undermine democratic freedoms.
The allegations have also triggered reactions on social media, with critics questioning the decision to prosecute the men over the messages displayed on their clothing.
There have also been allegations that a prominent politician in the state may have influenced the arrests. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
