QUADRI ALABI, TEEN WHO STOOD IN FRONT OF PETER OBI’S CONVOY REGAINS FREEDOM FROM KIRIKIRI MONTHS AFTER BEING FRAMED FOR ARMED ROBBERY BY LAGOS POLICE – Shegze Reports

In a remarkable turn of events, 17-year-old Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who captured the nation’s attention during the 2023 Nigerian general elections by courageously standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has finally been released from detention.

The teenager had been wrongfully imprisoned in Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre for months, following a fabricated armed robbery charge orchestrated by the Amukoko Divisional Police in Lagos.

Shegze reports on this victory for justice, which shines a spotlight on the deep-rooted issues of police misconduct and systemic corruption in Nigeria.

Quadri’s troubles began shortly after his viral moment in 2023, which brought him both fame and unexpected donations.

This newfound attention drew the ire of local street gangs known as "Area Boys," specifically two individuals, Lege and Baba Waris, from his community in Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.

These individuals, driven by jealousy and a sense of entitlement, began harassing Quadri, demanding a share of his donations. On January 26, 2025, while returning from work, Quadri was abducted by the duo and handed over to the Amukoko Police Station, also known as Pako Police Station.

The police falsely accused him of street fighting, but the charges quickly escalated into a sinister frame-up of armed robbery.

In a shocking abuse of power, the officers linked Quadri with four unrelated adults, claiming they were his accomplices, and even misrepresented his age as 18 to avoid scrutiny over detaining a minor.

The case took a hopeful turn when Quadri’s mother, with the help of Hassana Nurudeen, Co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, reached out to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong.

Effiong acted swiftly, escalating the matter to the courts. On April 17, 2025, the presiding Magistrate at the Apapa Court, A.O. Olorunfemi, reviewed the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, which confirmed a lack of evidence against Quadri.

The DPP recommended his non-prosecution, leading to his immediate discharge and release from Kirikiri.

Effiong, in a statement, condemned the actions of the Amukoko Police, demanding the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Odigbe Samuel, for their roles in the injustice.

He also called for the Nigeria Police Force to pay Quadri N100 million in compensation and issue a public apology, threatening legal action if these demands were not met.

Shegze notes that this case underscores the broader issue of "Area Boys" in Lagos, a loosely organized network of street youths notorious for extortion, drug peddling, and violence.

Reports estimate over 35,000 such individuals operate in the city, often in collusion with corrupt officials, as evidenced by Quadri’s ordeal.

Quadri’s story is a stark reminder of the systemic challenges within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, where countless innocent individuals suffer due to police impunity and weak oversight.

While Quadri now walks free, his case serves as a call to action for reforms to protect vulnerable citizens from similar injustices.