Amnesty International Condemns Arrest Of Five Men Wearing ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts In Maiduguri

Amnesty International has condemned the reported arrest of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over their alleged use of T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”

The human rights organisation described the arrests as a serious concern, particularly in relation to the right to freedom of expression and peaceful political dissent.

The incident reportedly occurred in Maiduguri as the men were seen wearing the T-shirts carrying the message directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Amnesty International said expressing criticism of a government or political leader should not, in itself, constitute a criminal offence where it is done peacefully.

The organisation has repeatedly called on Nigerian authorities to respect the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

The reported arrests have also renewed concerns about the treatment of protesters and government critics in parts of Nigeria.

Amnesty International has previously criticised the arrest and prosecution of protesters in the country, arguing that peaceful expression of political views is protected under Nigerian law and international human rights standards.

The organisation’s position comes amid broader debates over civil liberties and the limits of lawful political expression ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Political demonstrations and criticism of public officials have increased in recent months, with protesters raising concerns about insecurity, economic hardship and government policies.

In June, protesters in Lagos and Abuja were seen chanting “Tinubu Must Go” during demonstrations linked to insecurity and the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Reuters documented the protests at the time.

However, recent social media posts claiming to show new “Tinubu Must Go” protests have also been found to contain old footage from June. Fact-checkers have warned that some of the material circulating online is being presented out of context.

The circumstances surrounding the five men’s reported arrest in Maiduguri, including the specific allegations against them and whether they have been charged, remain important to determining the legal basis for the arrests.

Amnesty International is expected to continue monitoring the case and urging the authorities to ensure that any action taken against the men complies with Nigeria’s constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.