Vice President Kashim Shettima said President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the minors facing trial for treason on compassionate grounds.
Shettima disclosed this at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday while receiving the minors shortly after their charges were dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered their release on humanitarian grounds, giving them another chance to become responsible citizens,” a statement by presidential aide, Stanley Nkwocha, read.
“He called on the governments of Kaduna and Kano States to anchor the rehabilitation of the suspects so they can be reintegrated into the social fabric of their respective communities and society at large.
“The Vice President described President Tinubu as a compassionate leader who cares for all Nigerians and is leaving no stone unturned in the bid to improve the nation’s economy.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said all pardoned suspects had been medically examined and certified fit to be released to their parents/guardians.
He stated that while 112 of the suspects were being presented to Shettima for the formal handover to their respective state governments, seven others had earlier been released.
Also speaking, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, urged the released suspects to reflect on their actions and embrace the opportunity given to them by President Tinubu to become better and responsible citizens, maintaining that they must desist from further acts that will pit them against the laws of the land.
He pledged his administration’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to support the freed suspects in completing their education or engaging in ventures that will positively impact their lives.