Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday urged all 119 protesters, including 29 minors, who faced treason charges following the August #EndBadGovernance protest, to “go and sin no more.”

Defending President Bola Tinubu’s directive for their release, Shettima stated that the President acted out of compassion, despite the over ₦300 billion in damages and economic losses attributed to the protest, affecting both public and private property.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf expressed his gratitude to Tinubu for his merciful decision, reminding the protesters that, although they were charged with treason, they owed their freedom to the President’s generosity.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, meanwhile, ordered an investigation into the treatment of the young protesters while in police custody, pledging to implement any recommendations from the review panel. However, senior lawyer and human rights advocate, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, called on the government to prioritise the minors’ rehabilitation, arguing that simply dismissing the charges was insufficient.

The protesters were declared medically fit to return to their home states after assessments by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda.

Shettima addressed the protesters at the State House Auditorium in Abuja yesterday, shortly after the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), formally withdrew the charges against them.

According to Shettima, there exists incontrovertible video and photographic evidence of misconduct by some protesters, captured and posted online by the individuals themselves.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, authorised the release of these suspects on humanitarian grounds, despite irrefutable digital evidence showing acts of destruction, some of which were documented by the perpetrators themselves,” Shettima said.

“Considering this evidence, the President, as a father to the nation, is offering these young people another chance to become responsible citizens who can make positive contributions to Nigeria.”

Shettima advised the youths to avoid violence and destruction of property, emphasising that the protests had inflicted a financial toll of over ₦300 billion, predominantly on private enterprises.

He said, “I urge you not to allow yourselves to be exploited for violence and destruction of property, as the protests cost our nation over ₦300 billion, mostly from private businesses and assets.

“You are our children, and I encourage you to use this opportunity offered by the President’s generosity to become productive members of society and contribute to our nation’s growth.”

He further called on state governors and political leaders to support the reintegration of the protesters, encouraging collaboration across political lines to achieve a cohesive society.

He added, “I urge our governors and representatives, from all political backgrounds, to unite in ensuring that these young citizens are rehabilitated and reintegrated into our communities. Our shared identity as Nigerians should transcend our differences.”

Governor Yusuf of Kano State praised Tinubu and the federal government for their compassionate stance in releasing the protesters.

“What happened today will be remembered. The President has shown compassion and humility. He has demonstrated that you (the protesters) are also his children,” Yusuf said.

The governor credited the release to the collective advocacy of civil society organisations, media outlets, and concerned Nigerians who pushed for the protesters’ freedom.

“It is not just compassion but the persistent appeals from well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, the press, and the Nigerian Bar Association that made this day possible,” Yusuf added.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani advised the released protesters to make the most of their second chance, pledging support for those wishing to continue their education or develop vocational skills.

Earlier, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the charges against the protesters at the request of Attorney General Fagbemi (SAN).

Dignitaries present at the event included Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubrin Barau; House Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Tanko Sununu; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the Northwest, Abdullahi Yakasai.