Quadri Yusuf Alabi, a 17-year-old who became a symbol of bravery during the 2023 elections by standing in front of Peter Obi’s convoy, has been released after months of wrongful detention on baseless armed robbery charges.
On Wednesday, a Magistrate Court in Apapa, Lagos, discharged him after the Director of Public Prosecutions found no evidence against him. Quadri had been held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri since January 26, 2025, following what his legal team described as a malicious setup by the Amukoko police. His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, revealed that Quadri had been abducted by local bullies known as Lege and Baba Waris, who had harassed him over donations he received during the election period. Quadri was initially accused of a street fight, but the charges escalated to armed robbery, and he was improperly grouped with adult suspects while falsely listed as 18 to evade juvenile protections.
Effiong’s legal team stepped in last week after Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, highlighted Quadri’s case. Following prompt legal actions, the court considered the Director of Public Prosecutions’ recommendation to not prosecute Quadri due to insufficient evidence, leading Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi to discharge him and conclude a troubling chapter for the teenager.
Effiong is now calling for the removal and investigation of the Divisional Police Officer at Amukoko, the Investigating Police Officer (Inspector Odigbe Samuel), and others involved in what he described as a “corrupt and oppressive scheme.” He is demanding a public apology and financial compensation of ₦100 million from the Nigeria Police Force, threatening legal action if his demands are not met.
Effiong remarked that Quadri’s ordeal exemplifies the deep-rooted corruption and injustice within the Nigeria Police Force, drawing attention to the many others like him who suffer due to a lack of accountability and systemic failings in the justice system. As Quadri reunites with his family, his case has reignited calls for police reform in Nigeria.