Police in Nigeria arrested five men in Borno in a case involving anti-Tinubu T-shirts, putting political expression under scrutiny; a separate dispute over meeting access in Kano raises assembly concerns ahead of the 2027 election.
The cases involve different protections under Nigerian law. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says Section 39 of the Constitution covers freedom of expression, while Section 40 protects peaceful assembly and association. Its 2024 advisory says peaceful protests do not require police permits and describes advance notification as a way to coordinate safety and orderly conduct. The advisory cites a 2007 Court of Appeal ruling recognizing a right to protest matters of public concern when no wrongful act is committed.
In Kano, movement convener Abba Hikima said police vehicles blocked members from entering a venue the group had booked for a meeting on Oct. 11. Kano State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said in an interview with DCL Hausa, as relayed by Daily Nigerian, that the group had a right to meet and advance notice would help officers plan security.
In Borno State, police said officers arrested the five men near West End Roundabout in Maiduguri on Sept. 25. The command said officers found 15 wraps of leaves suspected to be cannabis, 100 tablets suspected to be “D5,” a shisha pot, scissors and two T-shirts bearing “Tinubu Must Go.” It said it did not discriminate based on political affiliation or viewpoint.
Premium Times reported that a charge document it reviewed alleged criminal conspiracy and thuggery, plus inciting disturbance and disturbance of public peace. The outlet said the document accused the men of printing the shirts with intent to breach public peace. The charges listed in its report did not include a drug offense.
Amnesty International Nigeria Executive Director Isa Sanusi told DW that people may oppose a candidate without facing arrest over a T-shirt.
