The Borno State Police Command has clarified the arrest and prosecution of five suspects apprehended during a routine patrol in Maiduguri, saying they were arrested over allegations bordering on public disturbance, thuggery and possession of suspected drug substances.
The Command said the suspects were arrested on September 25, 2026, at about 6pm around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri by police officers conducting a routine township patrol.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the police said the suspects were allegedly engaged in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
According to the statement, the suspects were found with 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot and one pair of scissors.
The police also said two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” were recovered from the suspects.
The arrest and subsequent prosecution had generated public discussion, particularly over the political inscription on the clothing worn by the suspects.
Clarifying its position, the Command said the Nigeria Police Force remained a professional and non-partisan institution and that political affiliation or viewpoint was not the basis for discriminating against citizens.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint,” the statement said.
The Command explained that following the arrest, the suspects were subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them.
It added that the case was subsequently charged before a competent court after the initial investigation was completed.
The police said the decision to prosecute was intended to allow the judicial process to determine the matter based on the evidence presented before the court.
“The Command further emphasizes that the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take its course,” the statement added.
The clarification comes amid wider public attention surrounding the arrest, with the police urging members of the public to avoid relying on unverified reports concerning the case.
The Command said the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution should be considered through the facts and evidence that would be presented before the court rather than through public speculation.
It also reiterated its commitment to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“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 Command said.
The police further maintained that its operations were guided by the need to protect lives and property while ensuring that suspects were subjected to established legal procedures.
The Command’s statement did not disclose the identities of the five suspects or provide details of the specific charges filed before the court beyond the allegations outlined in its clarification.
It said the case would now proceed through the appropriate judicial process, where the prosecution would be expected to present its evidence and the accused persons would have the opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.
The Command also reiterated its commitment to professionalism and impartiality in carrying out its policing responsibilities across the state.
“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property,” it said.
The clarification was signed by ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer, for the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, and dated September 30, 2026.
West Trybe reports that the case has drawn attention because the items allegedly recovered from the suspects included clothing carrying a political slogan, while the police maintain that the prosecution should be determined through the judicial process and the evidence presented before the court.
