Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who gained national attention during the 2023 presidential election by standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has been released after spending almost three months at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
On Thursday, a Magistrate Court in Apapa ordered Alabi’s discharge after the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) concluded that there was no evidence to support the armed robbery charge filed against him.
“We’re happy to share that Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the teenager known for his bold act during the 2023 elections involving Peter Obi’s convoy, has been freed today, April 17, 2025,” his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, shared via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Effiong described Alabi’s arrest as a “diabolical frame-up,” allegedly instigated by two individuals in the Amukoko area, identified as Lege and Baba Waris. He claimed that these men kidnapped Alabi near his residence and handed him over to the police, accusing him of involvement in a street altercation.
The lawyer further revealed that Alabi had been receiving threats from the duo since 2023 due to donations he received from Peter Obi’s supporters. There were also reports that community leaders pressured his family to purchase a cow and host a feast to appease the area.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi confirmed that the DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, had advised against prosecuting Alabi, citing a lack of evidence. Based on this recommendation, the court dismissed the case and ordered Alabi’s release.
Effiong praised the DPP for “upholding the truth,” noting that Alabi had been initially arrested and arraigned on January 26 on an armed robbery charge, despite the original claim being a street fight. According to Effiong, Alabi was detained alongside four unknown adults, and his age was incorrectly recorded as 18.
The case gained wider attention earlier this month after Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, brought it to light.
Following the court’s decision, Effiong demanded accountability from the officers involved, including the Divisional Police Officer of the Amukoko Police Station and the Investigating Police Officer. He also called for a N100 million compensation and a formal apology from the police.
“Quadri’s ordeal reflects the deep-rooted corruption, unchecked abuse of power, and systemic injustice within the Nigeria Police Force,” Effiong stated.
