Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who captured public attention during the 2023 presidential election by boldly standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has regained his freedom after nearly three months in detention at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a Magistrate Court in Apapa discharged Alabi following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which found no evidence to support the armed robbery charge brought against him.
“We are excited to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi has been freed by the court today,” said Inibehe Effiong, his lawyer, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Effiong described Alabi’s arrest and detention as a “diabolical frame-up” allegedly orchestrated by two known thugs in the Amukoko area, identified as Lege and Baba Waris. According to him, the duo abducted Alabi near his home, handed him over to the police, and accused him of being involved in a street fight.
The teenager had reportedly faced repeated threats from these individuals since 2023, following public donations he received after his viral moment during Obi’s campaign.
In a bizarre turn, Effiong revealed that Alabi’s family was pressured by local leaders to “appease” the community by buying a cow and hosting a feast — an act they could barely afford.
At Thursday’s court session, the presiding magistrate, Hon. A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), confirmed that the DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, had advised against prosecuting Alabi due to lack of evidence.
“The presiding magistrate discharged him accordingly, and he was set free. We commend the DPP for standing by the truth,” Effiong said.
Despite the initial claims of a street fight, police had charged Alabi with armed robbery on January 26 and remanded him alongside four adult strangers he had no connection with. Effiong also noted that his age was falsely recorded as 18.
The case gained wider public attention earlier this month when it was spotlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach.
In the wake of the court’s decision, Effiong called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko, the Investigating Police Officer, and other officials involved. He is also demanding N100 million in 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,” Effiong stated.
