The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has commended President Bola Tinubu for responding to public calls and releasing 76 detained minors arrested following the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi DawakinTofa, he expressed his deep appreciation for Tinubu’s compassion, describing it as a magnanimous gesture toward the youth of Kano State.
He stated this after receiving the teenagers at the Presidential Villa.
Yusuf thanked President Tinubu for his understanding and for granting the minors a second chance.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his compassion in responding to the appeals from various stakeholders within and outside Nigeria.
“Mr President has demonstrated remarkable empathy and commitment to justice, and we truly appreciate his gesture,” Yusuf said.
The 76 minors, who had been detained in connection with the August protests, will be flown back to Kano where they will undergo a medical evaluation and receive necessary treatment before being reunited with their families.
He assured that the children would be reintegrated into society through enrollment in local schools, providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives and realize their full potential.
“In light of the gravity of the charges against them, we recognize the importance of offering these children a second chance.”
“While their actions were regrettable, their status as minors should not deny them the opportunity to rehabilitate and contribute positively to society,” Yusuf was quoted as saying in the statement.
A team of medical professionals has been designated to assess the physical and mental health of the released minors.
Following this, they will be reunited with their families and offered continued support to ensure they can live normal productive lives.
Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised that Tinubu’s decision to pardon the teenagers was driven by humanitarian concerns.
“A total of 119 teenagers were detained in relation to the protests that caused significant financial loss, including over N13 billion. Of these, 76 were from Kano, and 73 have now been handed over to Governor Yusuf.
Three minors have already been reunited with their families while 39 others from Kaduna State have been handed over to Governor Uba Sani,” the Vice President explained.
Yusuf reassured that his administration would continue to monitor the well-being of the released minors and provide the necessary support to ensure their successful reintegration into society.