The Borno State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects allegedly linked to inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit substances in Maiduguri.
The Command, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the suspects were arrested on September 25 during a routine township patrol.
According to the police, officers of the Command apprehended the five suspects at about 6:00 p.m. around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri after allegedly observing conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
The Command said the suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot and one pair of scissors.
Police also said two T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” were recovered from the suspects.
Following their arrest, the suspects were subjected to preliminary investigation, during which the police said statements were obtained from them.
The Command explained that after the initial investigation was completed, the matter was subsequently charged before a competent court for judicial determination.
The police clarification followed what it described as viral reports and widespread public discussions concerning the arrest and prosecution of the five suspects, particularly in relation to the political inscriptions found on the T-shirts.
The Command stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains a professional and non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against individuals based on their political affiliation or viewpoint.
It further said that the decision to charge the suspects before a court was aimed at allowing the appropriate judicial process to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented.
The Borno Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
It urged members of the public to rely on verified information concerning the case and allow the court to determine the allegations against the suspects.
The Command also reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property across the state.