Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five men reportedly arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, for wearing T-shirts with the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate made the call after Amnesty International alleged that the men were arrested and detained by operatives of the Borno State Police Command.

The rights organisation identified those arrested as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the basis for the reported arrests.

He said the authorities should explain how wearing a T-shirt expressing a political opinion could amount to a criminal offence.

“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime,” Atiku said.

“President Tinubu can disagree with those words. He can campaign against them. He cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them.”

The former vice-president also demanded that the authorities disclose the whereabouts of the five men and allow them access to their families and lawyers.

Atiku further criticised the administration’s economic policies, recalling Tinubu’s opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s fuel pricing policies.

“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” he said.

He argued that Nigerians should have the freedom to express their dissatisfaction with government policies without fear of arrest.

“Tinubu was free to tell Jonathan that his policies were hurting Nigerians. Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them. Release these five citizens now,” Atiku added.