Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release of minors previously held on treason charges, citing compassion and the opportunity for a second chance as the motivation for the decision.
The announcement was made at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, where the Vice President welcomed the released individuals alongside several key officials.
According to Shettima, Tinubu’s decision was rooted in his role as a father figure to the nation, seeking to guide the young detainees toward positive futures.
Although there was “incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence” of some individuals’ involvement in the protest activities, Tinubu opted to drop the charges in a humanitarian gesture.
The Vice President advised the youths not to misuse this chance, cautioning them against further violence and property destruction.
Shettima said, “The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, instructed the release of the suspect on humanitarian grounds, despite incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions some of which were uploaded by the actors themselves.
“Regarding this evidence, the President as the father of the nation is giving these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria.
“I would like to admonish you, young men not to allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property because over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly private property and loss of business.
“I will urge you, I will advise you, you are our children, to use the opportunity of the President’s magnanimous gesture in ensuring that you overcome and become responsible citizens who will contribute to the growth of the society.
“I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across political divide, what binds us together as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides us.
“I will call on our two governors and our representatives into a single cause, and ensure that these subjects are rehabilitated and reintegrated to the fabric of our communities”.
