The Borno State Police Command has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five persons in Maiduguri over allegations of incitement, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit substances.
The suspects were arrested on September 25, 2026, during a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout in Maiduguri, the Command said.
According to the police, the five were allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance when officers apprehended them at about 6 p.m.
The Command said a search conducted during the arrest allegedly led to the recovery of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, a shisha pot and a pair of scissors.
Two T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” were also reportedly recovered from the suspects.
The arrest and subsequent prosecution had generated public debate, particularly over the political inscription on the T-shirts and the circumstances surrounding the decision to charge the suspects.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the Command said the prosecution followed preliminary investigations during which statements were obtained from the suspects.
The police said the case was subsequently filed before a competent court after the initial investigation had been completed.
Clarifying its position, the Command said the Nigeria Police Force remained a professional and non-partisan institution and did not discriminate against citizens on the basis of their political affiliations or viewpoints.
“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities,” it said.
The Command added that taking the matter before the court was intended to allow the judicial process to determine the allegations against the suspects based on the evidence presented.
It therefore urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media and other platforms and rely on officially verified information.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it,” the police said.
The development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the forthcoming elections, placing issues involving political expression, public order and security enforcement under increased public scrutiny.
The Borno State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.
