By Admin I Tuesday, Sept 30, 2026
MAIDUGURI — The Borno State Police Command has arrested and remanded five men for allegedly printing and wearing T-shirts carrying the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21, were arraigned before a Maiduguri Chief Magistrate Court following their arrest by security operatives.
According to a First Information Report (FIR) issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 29, 2026, the suspects face charges including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace, and thuggery.
The police FIR alleged that on September 25, 2026, the five men conspired to distribute and display the political apparel around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri. Authorities maintained that the action was calculated to cause a breach of public peace.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 60, 78, 79, and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
Sources close to the matter alleged that the arrests were triggered following a directive from Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, ordering immediate security action against the display.
Following their initial court appearance, the suspects were remanded in a correctional facility pending further hearing. The exact terms of the remand order and next trial dates were yet to be confirmed as of press time.
The arrests come at a time of rising political tension across Nigeria as political groups and civil society actors begin early mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Socio-economic pressures and opposition movements have previously sparked political slogans critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration across various geo-political zones. However, northeastern states like Borno have maintained strict security oversight on public gatherings and political demonstrations due to long-standing security sensitivities in the region.
Rights advocates and opposition figures have frequently criticized security agencies for clamping down on free speech and political dissent, while state authorities maintain that strict public order measures are necessary to prevent civil unrest.