A United States-based advocacy firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has expressed concern over the arrest and prosecution of five men in Borno State amid controversy surrounding their use of “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.
The firm raised the issue in a statement posted on its verified X account on Thursday, arguing that the development had implications for freedom of expression and democratic participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The five men were arrested in Maiduguri and later charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. They pleaded not guilty, with the court expected to rule on their bail application on October 6, 2026. (Premium Times Nigeria)
The Borno State Police Command, however, has disputed suggestions that the men were arrested solely because of the political message on their clothing.
The police said the suspects were apprehended during a routine patrol around the West End Roundabout on September 25 and were allegedly found with 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 “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts were also reportedly recovered. (Premium Times Nigeria)
According to the command, the suspects were subjected to preliminary investigation before the case was taken to court. Police also maintained that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional and non-partisan institution that does not discriminate based on political affiliation or viewpoint. (Punch Newspapers)
Von Batten-Montague-York, however, broadened its criticism to Nigeria’s political environment, alleging that President Bola Tinubu was seeking to retain power and that state institutions could be used to influence the 2027 electoral process. Those allegations have not been independently established.
The firm also referred to longstanding allegations concerning Tinubu and alleged activities in the United States decades ago. Tinubu has previously denied wrongdoing relating to those allegations, while the advocacy group’s latest statement does not itself establish a new criminal indictment against the President.
The controversy comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, with civil society groups and political actors continuing to debate the limits of political expression and the conduct of state institutions.
The case involving the five men remains before the court, where the allegations against them are expected to be determined through the judicial process.
