Peter Obi meets teen supporter, Quadri after release from prison

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has reunited with Quadri Alabi, the teenager who gained national recognition during Obi’s campaign after courageously standing in front of his convoy.

Alabi was freed from prison in Lagos on Thursday after spending months in detention over alleged robbery accusations.

His arrest, which activists described as unlawful, led to widespread public outrage and legal interventions that eventually secured his release.

In a post shared on his X handle, Obi wrote:

“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.”

Quadri’s story first touched many Nigerians in 2023 when he stood fearlessly before Obi’s campaign convoy. However, in January 2025, he was arrested and locked up in Kirikiri Prison after some local youths accused him of being involved in a robbery. His freedom came after Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi of the Apapa Magistrate Court ruled that there was no evidence to back the allegations, following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who led the legal team that secured Alabi’s release, also launched a fundraising campaign to support him and his family. He said in a post on X: “Following my discussion with the family of Quadri Alabi and at their request, I hereby appeal to all conscientious organizations, individuals, and corporate entities to offer immediate financial assistance to Quadri to enable him and his family relocate from their present community and home.

“Amukoko is no longer safe for them, those behind his travails can easily target him or his family members again.

“This appeal has become imperative due to active threats to Quadri and his family. As at this morning, they still received threats.

“Upon the release of Quadri at the court, it became apparent that it is no longer safe for them to return to their home. Due to the urgency and severity of the situation, we have paid for and lodged them in a hotel for tonight.

“In addition to the necessity of relocation, Quadri’s mother who is a ‘petty trader’, has also pleaded with Nigerians to assist her financially to enable her cater for herself and her children. Her husband (Quadri’s father) is deceased.

“Finally, we need to rehabilitate Quadri for him to be useful to himself and the society. He has expressed a desire to go to school. He is also open to acquiring a skill.

“If you are minded to assist, kindly send your support to the account details below:

Account No: 0092695127
Bank: Sterling Bank
Account Name: Quadri Yusuf Alabi

“We will do our best this time to ensure that whatever is donated to Quadri is properly utilized and not misappropriated.”

Just two hours after the appeal was announced, Effiong revealed that N3 million had already been raised, though he stressed that additional support was still needed. “We have raised N3m within two hours of announcing the fundraising for Quadri Alabi. We are still far from the target, but the amount raised so far demonstrates that there are good and spirited people in Nigeria. Please keep donating,” he added.

Activists maintain that Alabi was wrongly arrested while returning home from work.

His mother believes that the accusations were a result of envy from street boys who were unhappy with the financial help he received after openly showing support for Obi.