Boy who stood in front of Obi’s convoy freed after three months in detention

Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who became known during the 2023 presidential election for standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has regained his freedom after being held for nearly three months at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

Alabi was discharged on Thursday by a Magistrate Court in Apapa following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, which found no evidence to support the armed robbery charge brought against him.

“We are excited to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old teenager who gained fame during the 2023 elections after he spontaneously jumped and stood in front of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has been freed by the court today, 17th April, 2025,” his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, announced in a post on X on Thursday.

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Effiong described his arrest and detention as a “diabolical frame-up” allegedly orchestrated by local thugs known in the Amukoko area as Lege and Baba Waris.

The two reportedly abducted Alabi near his home and handed him over to the police, accusing him of being involved in a street fight.

According to Effiong, the boy had faced threats from the said individuals since 2023 over donations he received from supporters of Obi.

Alabi’s family was also reportedly pressured by local leaders to appease the community by buying a cow and hosting a feast.

Effiong stated, “At the Court today, the presiding Magistrate, His Honour, A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), confirmed that the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins showed that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation of armed robbery against Quadri.

“In his Legal Advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri. Thus, the presiding Magistrate discharged him and he was accordingly freed.

“We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter.”

According to Effiong, despite initial claims of a street fight, the police had arraigned Alabi on January 26 on allegations of armed robbery.

He was remanded in custody along with four adult strangers he had no connection to, while his age was falsely recorded as 18, the lawyer said.

The matter drew public attention earlier this month after being highlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach.

Following the court’s ruling, Effiong called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer of the Amukoko Police Station, the Investigating Police Officer, and others involved.

He also demanded a N100 million compensation and a public apology from the police.

“Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.