Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the release of minors facing treason charges on humanitarian grounds.
The announcement came on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, where Shettima received the youths shortly after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, formally dropped their charges.
Shettima explained that despite clear digital video and photographic evidence showing the involvement of some protesters in destructive actions, President Tinubu chose to extend compassion to the minors, urging them to seize this opportunity for a fresh start.
“As a father of the nation, the President is giving these young men another chance to grow into responsible citizens who can positively impact Nigeria,” Shettima said.
The Vice President further highlighted the economic toll of the protests, with over N300 billion in damages, primarily affecting private businesses and property. He advised the released youths to resist influences that incite violence and harm the public, emphasizing the importance of constructive participation in society.
“I urge you to use the President’s magnanimous gesture as a chance to transform into responsible citizens and contribute positively to Nigeria’s growth,” Shettima added.
Calling for unity across political divides, Shettima encouraged governors and representatives to work together in rehabilitating and reintegrating these young citizens into their communities, reinforcing the message that shared values as Nigerians should outweigh any differences.
