Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old who gained national attention during the 2023 general elections after he spontaneously stood in front of the convoy of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has regained his freedom after spending nearly three months in detention over a false armed robbery charge.
Alabi was discharged on Thursday by Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi of the Apapa Magistrate Court (Court 9), following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, which concluded that there was no evidence linking the teenager to the crime.
According to his lawyer, human rights advocate Inibehe Effiong, Alabi was abducted in January 2025 by two individuals known as “Lege” and “Baba Waris” — members of a group of local enforcers or “Area Boys” in Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos.
The lawyer revealed that the duo, allegedly jealous of the attention and donations Alabi received after his viral moment in 2023, handed him over to officers at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters.
Effiong stated that the ‘Area Boys’ (thugs) and even the Baale (community leader) had been harassing the family since 2023, demanding a share of the donations made to Alabi after his photo with Peter Obi went viral. The Baale allegedly told Alabi’s mother to buy a cow, rice, and cook food to appease the youths.
It was not until human rights activist Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, brought the case to public attention that legal support was mobilised. Effiong took up the case and began pushing for Alabi’s release.
He explained that Quadri had never met the individuals listed as his co-defendants,” Effiong said, condemning the police action as a “diabolical frame-up.” He added that Alabi had been subjected to harassment, humiliation, and psychological trauma for a crime he knew nothing about.
The DPP’s advice to the court led to Alabi’s discharge on Thursday, affirming that there was no basis for prosecution.
Following the teenager’s release, Effiong is now demanding N100 million in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force, a public apology, and the immediate removal and trial of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko station, as well as the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and others involved in the alleged plot.
He also warned that failure to meet the demands would lead to a full-scale legal battle for justice.
He noted that the family remains under threat from the same individuals who orchestrated the initial harassment and hinted at plans to relocate the teenager for his safety.
He said, “Today, the Magistrate adopted the DPP’s advice and discharged Quadri. He will be released as soon as the court signs his release warrant.
"I must also use this opportunity to call for the immediate removal of the DPO of the Amukoko Divisional Headquarters. On behalf of the family, we are demanding his removal, along with that of the IPO and all officers who participated in this despicable act of framing a minor for armed robbery. They must all face an orderly room trial.
“We are also demanding that the police pay N100 million in damages to Quadri for his illegal detention since January. In addition, we demand a public apology from the Nigerian police. We urge the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure these steps are taken without delay.
“At the moment, Quadri and his family remain under constant threat. We are considering relocation as they are clearly not safe where they currently reside. In fact, even this morning, before coming to court, the family was again threatened.
“This situation is completely unacceptable.”
“Regarding the individuals who falsely reported Quadri to the police, rest assured — we are not stopping here. We will push for the prosecution of all those involved. That is why we are preparing to disclose our next steps and alliances in the coming minutes,” he added.
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