Borno Police Explains Arrest, Prosecution of Five Over Alleged Thuggery

The Borno State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five persons in Maiduguri over alleged incitement, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit substances.

The Command said the five suspects were arrested on September 25, 2026, during a routine township patrol around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.

According to the police, the suspects were allegedly engaged in conduct capable of causing public disturbance when officers apprehended them at about 6:00 p.m.

The Command said a search allegedly led to the recovery of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot and a pair of scissors.

It added that two T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” were also recovered from the suspects.

The development had generated public debate, particularly over the political inscription on the T-shirts and the subsequent decision of the police to prosecute the suspects.

But 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 charged before a competent court after the initial investigation was completed.

Clarifying its position, the Command stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remained a professional and non-partisan institution, insisting that it did not discriminate against citizens on the basis of their political affiliation 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 police further explained that taking the matter to court was intended to allow the judicial process to determine the allegations against the suspects based on the evidence presented.

The Command therefore urged members of the public to rely on verified information rather than reports circulating on social media and other platforms.

It said: “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 development comes amid heightened political activities in the country ahead of the forthcoming elections, making allegations involving political expressions, public order and security enforcement particularly sensitive.

The Borno Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.