Boy who stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy, Quadri Yusuf regains freedom after Months Krikri

Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old who captured national attention during the 2023 elections for bravely standing before the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has finally been released after months in detention on what his legal team called a trumped-up charge of armed robbery.

On Wednesday, a Magistrate Court sitting in Apapa, Lagos, discharged the teenager after the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) found no evidence to support the police allegations.

Quadri had been held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri since January 26, 2025. His lead counsel, prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, described the entire episode as a “diabolical frame-up” orchestrated by officers from the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters.

According to Effiong, Quadri was abducted by two notorious area boys known as Lege and Baba Waris, who had previously harassed him over financial donations he received following his show of bravery in 2023.

“They have continually threatened him for not sharing the gifts he received,” Effiong said.”

“His family was even pressured by the local Baale to offer a cow, rice, and host a feast to appease them.”

Initially, the young activist was accused of being involved in a street fight. However, the police escalated the matter by charging him with armed robbery, pairing him with four unrelated adult suspects.

Officers also falsely listed his age as 18 to bypass juvenile protections.

Effiong’s legal team got involved after the case was brought to light by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach.

Their swift intervention led to the court reviewing the DPP’s advice, which clearly stated there was no evidence linking Quadri to the crime.

Presiding Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi subsequently discharged him, marking an end to his traumatic ordeal.

Effiong is now calling for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer at Amukoko, Investigating Police Officer Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and other officers involved.

He also demanded a public apology and ₦100 million compensation from the Nigeria Police Force, threatening legal action if his demands are not met.

“Quadri’s case is a glaring example of the deep-rooted corruption, impunity, and injustice that plague the Nigeria Police Force,” said Effiong.”

“There are countless young Nigerians suffering in silence due to a broken justice system.”