Five Arrested in Maiduguri Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts as Amnesty Demands Release

Five men have been arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the message “Tinubu Must Go,” in a case that has drawn condemnation from Amnesty International.

The men were identified as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed.

A police First Information Report reportedly accused the men of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. The document said they allegedly printed and wore the shirts with the intention of causing a breach of public peace around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.

The five men reportedly pleaded not guilty when the case was brought before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri. Their bail application was adjourned until October 6, while the substantive case was reportedly fixed for October 26.

Amnesty International has criticised the arrests, arguing that peacefully expressing political opposition through clothing should not, in itself, be treated as a criminal offence.

The rights organisation called for the men to be released unconditionally and urged authorities to drop what it described as unfounded charges. It also called on the Borno State Government and police to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association.

The case comes as political activity builds ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. However, allegations that the arrests were politically directed have not been independently verified.