ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set free the ‘minors’ who recently arraigned for alleged involvement in violence, destruction of public and private property and plot to overthrow his government in August.
President Tinubu released them on compassionate ground, telling them to ‘go home and sin no more.’
He advised the minors who were detained for participating in last August’s protest to embrace peace and work towards building responsible futures.
Speaking at the State House Auditorium, through his Vice President Kashim Shettima
Shettima, he said the release presented them with an opportunity to choose better paths.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola 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,” he said.
The President urged the youths to avoid being drawn into destructive acts that harm both public and private property, citing an economic loss of N300 billion from the protests, mostly from private sector damage.
Shettima underscored Tinubu’s role as a “father of the nation,” offering the young protesters another chance to “become responsible citizens who will make a positive impact in a drive for a better Nigeria.”
He advised them, “I would like to admonish you, young men, not allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property.”
The minors’ release followed Tinubu’s directive to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, for their immediate release, without prejudice to any ongoing legal processes.
To the newly released detainees, Shettima extended words of guidance, urging them to use this opportunity to reform: “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.”
According to The Nation, Shettima appealed to governors and other elected officials to support the reintegration of the released youths, emphasizing unity.
“I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here that cut across the political divide; what binds us together as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides,” he said.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, speaking in Hausa, pledged to provide financial support for those interested in starting businesses and scholarships for those continuing their education.
“As you all know, you are all our children,” Sani said, sharing his own experience of being detained for activism under military rule.
He advised the youths to prioritise their futures and urged caution regarding external influences.
“If they ask you to come out and protest, tell them to bring their children first,” he said.
The released protesters were welcomed by Vice President Shettima on behalf of President Tinubu, after which they were handed over to their respective Governors
