Borno police say arrests of five anti-Tinubu protesters were drug-related

The Borno State Police Command has defended the arrest and prosecution of five men who were detained in Maiduguri while wearing T-shirts bearing the words “Tinubu Must Go”. In a statement issued on Wednesday, police spokesperson Nahum Daso said the arrests were not based on the suspects’ political views. He said officers apprehended them during a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout on September 25, 2026.

According to the command, the men were allegedly found with 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, a shisha pot, scissors and two T-shirts bearing the anti-government inscription. Daso said the suspects underwent a preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained, and were subsequently charged to court. The command said the prosecution would allow a competent court to determine the allegations on the basis of the evidence presented.

Police rejected suggestions that the men were arrested because of political affiliation or viewpoint. Daso described the Nigeria Police Force as professional and non-partisan, adding that it did not discriminate against people on political grounds. The command said its action related to alleged possession of substances suspected to be illicit drugs and conduct capable of causing public disturbance.

It urged the public to rely on verified information while the judicial process continued. The statement also said the command remained committed to fundamental rights, due process, accountability and transparency. The police did not indicate when the court would next hear the case or provide further details about the charges beyond the allegations outlined in the statement.