‘TINUBU MUST GO’ T-SHIRTS: FIVE BORNO MEN GET BAIL AS ADC DEMANDS END TO CASE

Five men arrested and charged in Borno State after allegedly wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” have been granted bail, while the African Democratic Congress has called for the charges against them to be dropped.

The men had earlier been arraigned before a Maiduguri magistrate court on allegations including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.

POLICE ACCOUNT

The Borno State Police Command had said the men were arrested during a routine patrol around West End Roundabout in Maiduguri.

Police later said officers found suspected cannabis, tablets, a shisha pot and other items in their possession. The men have denied the allegations.

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ADC DEMANDS DROPPING OF CHARGES

The African Democratic Congress has condemned the case and demanded that the charges be dropped. The party has argued that political expression should not be criminalised and has called for the men to be released.

The controversy has therefore developed into a wider dispute about the boundary between political expression and conduct that may amount to a criminal offence.

ValidViewNetwork reports that bail does not amount to acquittal, just as an arrest or charge does not establish guilt. The substantive case, if it continues, should be determined through evidence and due process.