The Borno State Police Command has dismissed the allegation of intimidation over the arrest and prosecution of five protesters in Maiduguri, stating that they were arrested over allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery, and possession of drug substance.

In a statement, the police said that officers on a routine township patrol apprehended the suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.

It added that the suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one pair of scissors, and two T-shirts with the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) described the arrest of the protesters by Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration as a reckless abuse of power and office.

The ADC PCC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement yesterday, described the arrests as an attempt to intimidate and silence citizens expressing opposition to the government, saying the protest was “a welcome gift for President Bola Tinubu.”

Also, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has condemned the reported arrest of youths wearing anti-Tinubu T-shirts, saying that the coalition would take up the matter.

Baba-Ahmed spoke as he joined the opposition coalition leaders in a meeting with the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as opposition parties intensify efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the police, statements were obtained from the protesters, and upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to court, the command said, adding that the decision was intended to allow the appropriate judicial process.

Nevertheless, the ADC PCC alleged that some state governors were now engaged in a race to impress Tinubu at the expense of the rights and welfare of ordinary citizens, contrary to the citizens’ constitutional right to political preferences and opinions.

Describing the slogan “Tinubu Must Go” or “Tinubu Must Leave” as a form of political expression which does not amount to a criminal offence in itself, the campaign council alleged that the arrests were intended to intimidate members of the ADC and other opposition groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement yesterday, the PRP National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, disclosed that the meeting was a source of inspiration to the delegation, adding that the coalition leaders were seeking to broaden and strengthen the opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.