Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five men reportedly arrested and charged in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Gatekeepers News reports that the five men are Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed. They were reportedly arrested on September 25 around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.
According to the charges filed by the police, the men were accused of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. The offences were said to contravene Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code Law.
The men reportedly appeared before Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A report by Vanguard said they were remanded in custody, with the case adjourned until October 6.
Amnesty International had earlier condemned the arrests, arguing that wearing a T-shirt expressing political opposition does not amount to a criminal offence. The rights organisation called for their release and the withdrawal of the charges.
Reacting to the development, Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, asked authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five men and allow them access to their families and lawyers.
In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, his Director of Strategic Communication, Atiku questioned why citizens should be detained for wearing shirts expressing a political opinion.
“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime.”
Atiku also recalled President Bola Tinubu’s past opposition to fuel-pricing policies under former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying citizens should similarly be allowed to express dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The Borno State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the arrests and charges as of Wednesday. Premium Times reported that its spokesperson, Nahum Daso, did not respond to calls or a text message seeking comment.
Separately, Atiku endorsed the “Tinubu Must Go” movement on September 29, describing it as a campaign for political change.
