Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old widely recognized for standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy during the 2023 elections, has been released after nearly three months in detention at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
On Thursday, a Magistrate Court in Apapa discharged Alabi following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which found no evidence to support the armed robbery charge filed against him.
Alabi’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, announced the news on X, formerly Twitter, describing his client’s ordeal as a “diabolical frame-up” allegedly orchestrated by local thugs in the Amukoko area known as Lege and Baba Waris. According to Effiong, the duo abducted Alabi near his home and falsely accused him of participating in a street fight before handing him over to the police.
Effiong further revealed that since 2023, Alabi had faced threats linked to donations he received from Peter Obi supporters. His family was reportedly pressured by community leaders to buy a cow and organize a feast to appease local sentiments over his sudden fame.
“At the court today, the presiding Magistrate, His Honour, A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), confirmed that the legal advice issued by the DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, found no evidence to substantiate the charge of armed robbery against Quadri,” Effiong said. “The DPP recommended that Quadri not be prosecuted, leading the Magistrate to discharge him.”
Despite initial claims of a minor street altercation, Alabi was charged with armed robbery and arraigned on January 26 alongside four unrelated adults. His age was also falsely recorded as 18, his lawyer noted.
The case gained wider public attention after it was highlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach.
Following Alabi’s release, Effiong called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Police Station, the Investigating Police Officer, and others involved in what he called an abuse of power. He also demanded a public apology and ₦100 million in compensation for the unjust arrest and detention.
“Quadri’s case is a painful reflection of the deep-rooted corruption, impunity, and injustice within the Nigeria Police Force,” Effiong said.
