Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The call followed the arrest of the five men by the Borno State Police Command. According to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Maiduguri, the defendants are Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio, and Abdulhamid Mohammed.
Police allege that the men conspired to produce and wear the shirts around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri on September 25, with the intention of causing a breach of public peace. They face allegations of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under provisions of the Borno State Penal Code. All five defendants pleaded not guilty, while a bail application was filed on their behalf. The case was adjourned to October 6 for a ruling on bail, with the substantive trial scheduled for October 26.
Atiku questioned the basis for detaining the men if the political slogan was the reason for their arrest. He argued that citizens should be able to express political opinions peacefully. The former vice president also recalled President Bola Tinubu’s opposition to fuel price increases during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Atiku contrasted Tinubu’s position at the time with the current economic pressures facing Nigerians, citing the costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity.
“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime,” Atiku said.
He called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and allow them access to their families and lawyers. Atiku further demanded their release if the political message on the shirts was the basis for their detention.
