Court Frees Boy Who Stood Before Peter Obi’s Convoy Months After Detention

The Magistrate Court in Apapa has released 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, who gained widespread attention before the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Quadri was unjustly held for months on a fabricated charge of armed robbery. He was acquitted on Wednesday, April 16, by the Magistrate court after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice determined there was no evidence to substantiate the accusations against him.

The teenager had been detained at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri since January 26, 2025, following what his legal team called a “diabolical frame-up” by officers at Amukoko Divisional Headquarters.

According to his lead counsel, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Esq., Quadri was kidnapped by two notorious local youths in his community — known as Lege and Baba Waris, who had previously targeted him over donations he received during the 2023 election period.

“Quadri was returning from work when he was grabbed by these individuals, who have repeatedly threatened him for not sharing financial gifts he received. His family was even pressured by the Baale (community leader) to appease the area boys with a cow, rice, and a feast.”

Initially accused of participating in a street brawl, Quadri’s situation worsened when the police charged him with armed robbery and brought him before a magistrate. Alarmingly, he was grouped with four adult suspects with no known connection to him. The police also falsely recorded his age as 18 to circumvent the oversight required for juvenile cases.

Effiong’s legal team took up the case last week after it was highlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach. Following prompt legal efforts, the court reviewed the DPP’s legal advice, which recommended that Quadri not face prosecution due to insufficient evidence.

Presiding Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.) accordingly discharged Quadri, closing a distressing chapter for the teenager.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli