Seventeen-year-old Quadri Alabi, who gained online fame in 2023 for standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has regained his freedom after spending four months in prison over a false accusation of armed robbery.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong announced Alabi’s release on Thursday through his social media handle, calling it a victory for justice and a sad reminder of deep-rooted corruption in the Nigerian policing system.
Effiong wrote, “Quadri Alabi has been discharged and freed. The legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, stated clearly that there was no evidence to support the robbery charge brought against him.”
Alabi first made headlines during the 2023 presidential campaign when he boldly stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy in Lagos, a moment that went viral and earned him public admiration. He later received donations from well-wishers and supporters of the Labour Party.
However, that fame, according to his lawyer, turned into a curse in his community. Effiong said local street gangs, commonly called area boys, began harassing Alabi and demanding a share of the money he received.
Effiong said, “Alabi was returning from work in January when two hoodlums seized him in the Amukoko area of Lagos.nThey dumped him at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters. These thugs and some entitled youths had been threatening to deal with him for not sharing the donations he got during the elections.”
He also revealed that the baale (traditional leader) of the community pressured Alabi’s family to provide a cow, rice, and food to appease the area boys—a demand they could not afford.
Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi, who presided over the case, ruled that Alabi be discharged after the DPP confirmed there was no evidence to prove the robbery charge.
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Effiong stated, “The DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Alabi. We commend the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, especially Dr. Babajide Martins, for standing by the truth.”
Alabi was held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, throughout the four-month ordeal. His detention sparked outrage among human rights advocates and supporters who believed he was being punished unfairly for his earlier show of support for Peter Obi.
Effiong did not stop at celebrating the release. He demanded full accountability from the Nigeria Police Force and called for the immediate removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko Division. He also singled out the Investigating Police Officer, Odigbe Samuel, accusing him of working with street gangs to frame Alabi.
He said, “This was a sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme. These officers acted at the bidding of local thugs who wanted to punish a young man for his political expression and independence.”
Effiong demanded a compensation of ₦100 million for Alabi and a public apology from the Nigeria Police Force.
He warned, “If these three demands are not fully complied with immediately. we shall take legal action to seek redress. Alabi’s case is a painful example of the corruption, impunity, and injustice that plague the Nigeria Police Force.”