Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the minors facing treason charges on humanitarian grounds.
Shettima explained that while there was irrefutable digital video and photographic evidence documenting the actions of some of the protesters—much of which was uploaded by the individuals themselves—the president chose to release the minors, showing compassion.
He noted that the country suffered significant losses during the protests, estimating over N300 billion in damages due to the destruction of property and disruption of economic activities.
The Vice President made these remarks on Tuesday while receiving the minors at the Presidential Villa. This occurred shortly after the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, dropped the charges against them.
Shettima said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, ordered the release of these individuals on compassionate grounds, despite clear evidence of their involvement, some of which was shared by the protesters themselves. As the father of the nation, the President is giving these young men a second chance to become responsible citizens and contribute to a better Nigeria.”
He urged the young men not to allow themselves to be manipulated into violence or the destruction of property, pointing out that the protests had caused an estimated N300 billion in losses, mostly from damage to private property and halted business activities.
“I urge you to seize this opportunity, given to you by the President’s magnanimity, to turn your lives around and contribute positively to society,” Shettima added.
He also appealed to governors and elected officials from all political parties to unite for the rehabilitation and reintegration of these individuals into their communities, emphasising that national unity should outweigh political differences.
The 114 individuals—minors and adults—who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests were earlier discharged by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case against them was dismissed at the request of the attorney general’s office.
Upon their release, the minors were handed over to their respective state governors, Uba Sani of Kaduna and Abba Yusuf of Kano.
Present at the handover ceremony were ministers of education, Tunji Alausa; humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda; and environment, Balarabe Lawal. Also in attendance were the minister of state for humanitarian affairs, Tanko Sununu; senior special assistant on community engagement (Northwest), Abdullahi Yakasai; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and chairman of the appropriation committee, Abubakar Bichi.
