Borno police charge five suspects over alleged disturbance in Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command says it arrested and prosecuted five suspects in Maiduguri over allegations including inciting disturbance, breaching public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected drug substances. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by police spokesman ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the suspects were arrested on September 25 at about 6 p.m. during a routine township patrol near West End Roundabout.

Police said the suspects were allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance. Officers reportedly recovered 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, a pair of scissors and two T-shirts bearing the words “Tinubu Must Go”. The command said the suspects underwent preliminary investigation and gave statements.

After the initial investigation was completed, the matter was charged to court, although the supplied statement does not identify the court or specify the charges filed against each suspect. The police said it was a professional and non-partisan institution and did not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. It said its action was intended to allow the judicial process to determine the matter.

The command also said it remained committed to fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency. It urged the public to rely on verified information and allow the court to assess the facts and evidence. The statement was issued after viral reports and public discussion about the arrests.

The source material does not include the suspects’ names, their legal representation, their pleas or any response from relatives or political groups. The allegations therefore remain matters for determination through the court process.