Seventeen-year-old Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who gained attention during the 2023 presidential elections for boldly stepping in front of Peter Obi’s convoy, has been released after months of unlawful detention on trumped-up armed robbery charges.
A Magistrate Court in Apapa, Lagos, set Quadri free on Wednesday following a legal opinion from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which confirmed that there was no evidence to support the charges filed against him.
Quadri had been held at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre since January 26, 2025.
His lawyer, prominent human rights activist Inibehe Effiong, condemned the arrest as a “malicious setup” allegedly orchestrated by officers from the Amukoko Police Division.
Effiong revealed that Quadri had been targeted by local thugs—identified as Lege and Baba Waris—who had previously harassed him for not sharing funds he received from supporters during the election period. According to Effiong, the teenager was ambushed on his way home from work, and his family was later pressured by the community’s Baale to offer gifts, including a cow and bags of rice, in a failed attempt to placate the attackers.
Originally accused of being involved in a street brawl, the charge was later escalated to armed robbery. Police reportedly grouped him with four unrelated adult suspects and misrepresented his age as 18—likely to deny him protections typically granted to minors.
The case gained renewed attention last week when Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, alerted Effiong’s legal team. Prompt legal intervention led to a review of the DPP’s report, which ultimately cleared Quadri of any wrongdoing.
Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi officially dismissed the case, bringing much-needed relief to Quadri’s family and supporters.
Effiong is now calling for the dismissal and investigation of the Amukoko Divisional Police Officer, Investigating Officer Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and others involved in the case. He is also demanding a public apology and ₦100 million in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force, warning of legal consequences if these demands are not met.
“This case reflects a disturbing pattern of corruption, abuse of power, and injustice within the police system,” Effiong stated. “Many other young Nigerians remain behind bars due to similar failures in the justice system.”
Quadri’s release has sparked widespread calls for reform in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, as advocates stress the need for accountability and systemic change.
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