Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who gained nationwide attention during the 2023 presidential election for standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has regained his freedom after nearly three months of unlawful detention at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
Alabi was discharged on Thursday, April 17, 2025, by a Magistrate Court in Apapa following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP's findings concluded there was no evidence to support the armed robbery charges filed against him.
Inibehe Effiong, Alabi's lawyer, made the announcement in a post on X, expressing relief and satisfaction with the court's ruling. “We are excited to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old teenager who gained fame during the 2023 elections after he spontaneously jumped and stood in front of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has been freed by the court today,” Effiong wrote.
The teenager’s arrest and detention were described by Effiong as a “diabolical frame-up” allegedly orchestrated by local thugs in the Amukoko area, identified as Lege and Baba Waris. These individuals reportedly abducted Alabi near his home, falsely accusing him of involvement in a street fight and handing him over to the police.
Effiong claimed that the harassment began after Alabi received donations from supporters of Peter Obi, leading to threats from local thugs. His family was also reportedly pressured by local leaders to appease the community by buying a cow and hosting a feast.
The Magistrate Court, led by His Honour A.O. Olorunfemi, accepted the legal advice from the DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, which indicated that there was no evidence to substantiate the armed robbery allegation against Alabi. As a result, the presiding Magistrate discharged and freed him.
"We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter," Effiong said, further calling for disciplinary action against the officers involved in the unlawful detention, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko Police Station and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO).
He also demanded N100 million in compensation and a public apology from the police for the wrongful arrest.
Alabi’s case gained further public attention after being highlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, who exposed the alleged corruption and injustice involved in the case.
Effiong’s remarks underscored the need for urgent reforms within the Nigerian Police Force, citing Quadri’s case as a painful example of systemic corruption and impunity.
This victory is seen as a beacon of hope for many Nigerians seeking justice and accountability within the police system.