Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has revealed that over N10 million has been raised in just four days for Quadri Alabi, alleging that the police falsely claimed Alabi was 18 years old to prosecute him in court, even though he is only 17.

 

Alabi was arrested and charged in connection with a violent street fight in the Amukoko area of Lagos earlier this year. However, Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi later freed him following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins.

 

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Speaking on Channels TV, Effiong explained that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko Division subjected Alabi to an internal police trial, along with Inspector Odigbe Samuel and other officers. He described their actions as part of an “evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme” to frame a teenager for armed robbery, instigated by rogue ‘area boys.’

 

According to Effiong: “The boy sitting next to me, Quadri Alabi, as you know, went viral in 2023 during one of Peter Obi’s campaign tours. He spontaneously jumped in front of the convoy, raised his hand, and the photo went viral. That moment changed his life. Donations were made, and he gained some popularity.

Unfortunately, with that fame came harassment. Local area boys began extorting him, saying he hadn’t ‘settled’ them. They even told his mother to buy a cow, cook rice, and throw a feast for the community. When she refused, the threats continued.

 

This is actually the second time these same individuals, with support from the Amukoko Police, targeted him. The first time, he was quietly detained. The second time, in January, he was returning home from work when he was arrested by area boys, specifically known as Leggy and Baba Waris, who accused him of ignoring them despite the money he had received from Peter Obi.

 

“They handed him over to the police, claiming he was involved in a street fight. His mother was told the same. She even confronted one of the area boys, who admitted it was about the money.

“Shockingly, he was detained for a full week before being taken to court on January 27. The DPO, CSP Ismaila Ulaniro, kept him in custody illegally during this period.”

Effiong continued: “They finally took him to the Magistrate Court in Apapa, alongside four adult men he had never met before. The police accused them of armed robbery said to have occurred on January 22 at 10 p.m. No identification parade was conducted, and there was no evidence linking him to the crime.

 

Meeting the future mind after his release, Peter Obi said;

“Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy whose story moved us all. After enduring unjust and illegal incarceration, he is finally free, and I am very grateful to the lawyers led by @InibeheEffiong, who fought for his release and also @DeleFarotimi and Ms Hassana Nurudeen, whose constant intervention was instrumental in securing justice for the young lad.

 

“I listened to Quadri today, and one thing stood out clearly: his unwavering desire for education. Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education and I will make sure he gets it.

His determination is not just inspiring; it is a call to action, and I am committed to ensuring that he gets the education he desires and deserves.”

“In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for his illegal incarceration must be held accountable. As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished.

“I once again thank the lawyers and everyone who stood and remained unrelenting for justice.

Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity and justice, care and protection of the less privileged in our midst will stand as the foundation of our democracy.”

“A new Nigeria is Possible. -PO”