A 17-year-old boy, Quadri Alabi, who became an internet sensation after standing in front of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, in February 2023, has regained freedom from prison. 

Alabi’s release came four months after his detention at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, over an accusation of armed robbery.

A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, made the disclosure via his social media handle on Thursday.

Mr Inibehe noted that Alabi was abducted by two hoodlums at Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State and consequently dumped at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters, Lagos State in January.

Mr Inibehe stated Alabi’s travail was linked to a donation he received for supporting the candidacy of Mr Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign.

He said, “Alabi was returning from work when he was grabbed by the duo, who along with other jealous and entitled area boys in the community, have been harassing him and threatening to deal with him since 2023 for not giving them ‘their share’ of money he got during the last elections period. Quadri’s family informed us that the baale of the community equally pressured them to buy a cow and rice and cook for the community to appease the area boys.’’

The Magistrate who handled the case, A. O Olorunfemi, said that the legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins, indicated that there was no evidence to corroborate allegation of armed robbery levelled against Alabi.

Mr Inibehe said, “The DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Alabi. Thus, the presiding magistrate discharged him, and he was accordingly freed. We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter.’’

The lawyer also called for the removal of the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and disciplinary action against the Investigation Police Officer, Odigbe Samuel, and other officers who participated in what he termed “sinister, oppressive and corrupt scheme of framing-up of Alabi, at the bidding of the street gang who prompted the initial arrest.’’

Mr Inibehe further demanded a compensation of N100,000,000 to the client and a public apology from the Nigeria Police Force.

He added, “If the above three remedial demands are not fully complied with immediately, we shall initiate legal actions to seek redress. Alabi’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force.’’