On Tuesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged recently released minors, detained for involvement in August’s protests, to build responsible futures and avoid violence. Speaking at Abuja's State House Auditorium, Shettima highlighted President Bola Tinubu's decision to release them on humanitarian grounds, despite evidence of wrongdoing. Tinubu’s intervention, he emphasized, offers the minors a second chance to reform.
The protests reportedly caused N300 billion in economic losses, largely due to damage to private property. In total, 76 individuals were detained, including 30 minors, amid public dissatisfaction over economic hardship. With accusations of treason and inciting a military coup, the detained youth faced 10 charges, including conspiracy to destabilize the government. On Monday, Tinubu directed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to ensure the immediate release of the minors, regardless of ongoing legal processes.
The AGF took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, and charges against 119 protesters were ultimately dismissed on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Shettima called on governors and representatives across political divides to support the released minors' reintegration into society.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani committed to providing funds for those interested in business and scholarships for those in school, while Kano Governor Abba Yusuf promised continued support for the minors, thanking Tinubu for his empathy in the release.
In a related statement, human rights lawyer Femi Falana called on the government to ensure the minors receive education, warning that failure to rehabilitate them could lead to legal action.
