President Bola Tinubu has advised the 119 suspects from the August 1 protests in Kano and Kaduna States to use their presidential pardon as an opportunity to become responsible citizens.
In a message conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the suspects were urged to avoid actions that lead to violence and destruction of property. The Vice President reassured them of the federal government’s commitment to addressing national challenges.
The formal handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where 112 suspects, including 73 from Kano and 39 from Kaduna, were returned to their state governors. Seven additional suspects had previously been granted bail, and three were released to their parents, totalling 119 pardoned individuals.
Speaking in both English and Hausa, the Vice President highlighted that, despite overwhelming evidence of their involvement in significant property damage, President Tinubu ordered their release on humanitarian grounds, giving them another chance to reform.
He called on Kaduna and Kano State governments to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of the suspects back into their communities.
Describing President Tinubu as a compassionate leader, Shettima emphasised the President’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s economy and supporting all citizens.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, informed attendees that the pardoned suspects had undergone medical examinations and were certified fit for release. While 112 suspects were formally handed over, seven had already been freed.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, urged the suspects to reflect on their actions and seize this chance to become responsible citizens.
He pledged his administration’s support in helping them pursue education or positive economic ventures.
Similarly, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s compassion toward the masses, promising that the state would ensure proper rehabilitation and reintegration of the released individuals.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau also encouraged the pardoned suspects to embrace this second chance and thanked the President for his gesture of forgiveness.
