Lagos – 17-year-old Quadri Yusuf Alabi — the teenager who famously stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy during the 2023 presidential campaign — has just been released from Kirikiri Prison after spending months behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit.
The Lagos Magistrate Court today, April 17, 2025, discharged Quadri following a report from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirming that there was no single piece of evidence linking the boy to the alleged armed robbery.
Quadri’s sudden arrest and imprisonment shocked many. Just two years ago, he was hailed as a brave youth after stopping Peter Obi’s convoy in a moment that symbolized hope for many Nigerians. But that hope nearly turned to horror.
According to his lawyer, rights advocate Inibehe Effiong, the teenager was abducted by two notorious area boys, Lege and Baba Waris, near his home in Amukoko, Lagos, while returning from work. They dragged him to the Amukoko Police Station, falsely claiming he was involved in a fight.
But what started as a street brawl allegation quickly spiraled into a disturbing plot, with police officers allegedly framing Quadri for armed robbery. They grouped him with four strange adult men he had never seen before and presented them all as co-accused.
ALSO TRENDING:
WTO DG, Okonjo-Iweala Says It’s Africa’s Time to Rise, Amidst Global Trade War
“Only 200 South-East Youths Signed up as Nigeria Army Recruits Thousands” – Official
To worsen matters, the police reportedly lied about his age — listing him as 18, just so they could send him to adult prison at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre, where he’s been detained since January 26.
#Justice4Quadri
It took the intervention of Ms. Hassana Nurudeen, Co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, to bring public attention to the injustice. Within days, Effiong’s legal team stepped in and fast-tracked a legal challenge that led to Quadri’s release today.
Tears flowed outside the courtroom as the young man walked out a free boy. The presiding Magistrate, A.O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), ruled that based on the DPP’s advice, there was no evidence to prosecute Quadri. He was discharged immediately.
Effiong is now demanding justice beyond the courtroom. He’s calling for the removal and trial of the Amukoko Divisional Police Officer, the Investigating Officer Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and all officers involved in the false charge. His team also demands N100 million compensation and a public apology from the Nigeria Police.
“This case is a national disgrace,” Effiong said. “Quadri could have disappeared into the system like so many others. He got lucky — but what about the thousands still trapped by police lies and court delays?”
“Quadri Alabi was handed over to me by the Nigerian Correctional Service at the Apapa Magistrate Court moments ago after his released warrant was signed. He has united with his family. We will be seeking help to enable his family relocate from their current home and area, and to also rehabilitate him. I will post his account details soon. History will vindicate the just,” Effiong posted on his X handle.
