Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who gained public attention during the 2023 presidential election for boldly standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has been released from Kirikiri Correctional Centre after spending almost three months in detention. Alabi was discharged on Thursday by a Magistrate Court in Apapa, Lagos, after the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) issued a legal opinion stating there was no evidence to support the armed robbery charge against him.
His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, shared the news on Thursday via a post on X, expressing relief over the court’s decision: “We’re pleased to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi…has been discharged by the court today, April 17, 2025.” Effiong condemned the arrest as a “diabolical frame-up,” claiming it was orchestrated by local thugs known as Lege and Baba Waris from the Amukoko area. According to him, the duo allegedly abducted Alabi near his home and handed him over to police, accusing him of involvement in a street fight.
Effiong further revealed that since 2023, Alabi had faced persistent threats from these individuals over donations he received from Peter Obi’s supporters. In an attempt to resolve tensions, his family was reportedly pressured by local figures to buy a cow and host a feast for the community.In court, Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi confirmed that the DPP’s advice—signed by Dr. Babajide Martins—clearly recommended non-prosecution, citing a lack of evidence. As a result, Alabi was officially discharged and released.
Despite the initial accusation of participating in a street fight, Alabi was charged with armed robbery on January 26 and remanded alongside four unrelated adult co-defendants. Effiong also stated that police falsely recorded Alabi’s age as 18. The case gained wider attention earlier this month after it was spotlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach.
Following the discharge, Effiong called for disciplinary measures against the officers involved in the case, including the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Police Station and the Investigating Police Officer. He is also demanding a N100 million compensation and a public apology from the Nigeria Police Force. “Quadri’s ordeal is a grim reflection of the systemic corruption, abuse of power, and injustice deeply embedded within the Nigeria Police Force,” Effiong concluded.
Source : https://punchng.com/
