Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old who captured national attention in 2023 when he bravely stood before Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has been freed from detention after months of wrongful incarceration.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who led the legal team representing Quadri, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The teenager had been held at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre on what his lawyers described as a “diabolical frame-up” by the Nigeria Police Force.
“Our client was abducted by two ‘Area Boys’ and dumped at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters,” Effiong explained. The attackers, identified as Lege and Baba Waris, had allegedly been harassing Quadri over donations he received following his viral moment during the 2023 elections.
According to Effiong, the young man was accused of armed robbery, falsely grouped with four unknown adult suspects, and misrepresented by the police as an 18-year-old to avoid the legal protections afforded to minors.
“The police fraudulently joined Quadri with four strange adults and misrepresented his age. This was clearly done to cover up the illegality,” Effiong stated.
The case attracted national attention after it was spotlighted by prison rights advocate Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach. Following legal intervention, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, issued legal advice recommending non-prosecution, citing lack of evidence.
Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi of the Apapa Magistrate Court subsequently discharged Quadri and ordered his release.
While celebrating the legal victory, Effiong called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and others involved. He described the entire ordeal as “evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt.”
Effiong also demanded a public apology and N100 million compensation from the Nigeria Police Force, warning of legal action if the demands are not met.
“Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force. There are many Quadris languishing in detention centres across Nigeria,” Effiong concluded.
