Boy who blocked Obi’s convoy released after three months in custody.

Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who gained attention during the 2023 presidential election for standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has been released after nearly three months in detention at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Lagos.

A Magistrate Court in Apapa discharged him on Thursday, following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which found no evidence to support the armed robbery charges filed against him.

Alabi’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, announced the release on X, stating that the teenager’s arrest was a “diabolical setup” allegedly orchestrated by known local enforcers in the Amukoko area, Lege and Baba Waris. They reportedly abducted Alabi, falsely accused him of a street fight, and handed him over to the police.

Effiong revealed that since 2023, Alabi had faced threats related to donations he received from Peter Obi supporters. His family was also allegedly pressured by community leaders to throw a feast to appease locals.

At the court, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi confirmed that the DPP’s legal advice recommended dropping the case due to lack of evidence, leading to Alabi’s discharge.

Despite being accused of involvement in a street fight, police had arraigned Alabi on armed robbery charges in January and falsely recorded his age as 18. He was detained with four adults he didn’t know.

The case gained attention earlier in April, thanks to advocacy by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach. Following the verdict, Effiong called for disciplinary actions against the officers involved and demanded a public apology and N100 million compensation for Alabi, describing the case as a tragic example of deep-rooted police corruption and injustice in Nigeria.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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