Borno ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirt Case: Five Men Face Trial
Maiduguri — The prosecution of five men over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” has shifted attention from their arrest to a broader court battle over the allegations of public disturbance and the expression of political views in Borno State.
The men — Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed — were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court in Maiduguri following their arrest over the shirts.
According to the police First Information Report, the suspects allegedly printed and wore the T-shirts around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri with an alleged intention to cause a breach of public peace.
The police charged them with alleged criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery, citing Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
The five defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Their lawyers subsequently applied for bail, with the court reportedly fixing October 6, 2026, for a ruling on the application. The substantive case has been adjourned to October 26.
The case has also generated reactions from human rights advocates. Amnesty International criticised the detention and prosecution, arguing that expressing political dissent through a message on clothing should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. The organisation called for the men’s release and urged authorities to protect freedom of expression and association.
The police position, however, centres on the alleged intent to cause a breach of public peace, rather than merely the wording printed on the shirts. The allegations remain matters for determination by the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The proceedings come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, placing renewed attention on how political expression, public order and criminal law will intersect during the emerging campaign season.
