Lawyer Gives Key Update as Nigerian Authorities Jail Boy Who Stood in Front of Peter Obi's Convoy
- Barrister Inibehe Effiong has narrated the disturbing circumstances leading to the arrest and continued detention of Alabi Quadri
- The minor rose to public attention in 2023 after he stood in front of the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi's campaign convoy
- Effiong shared that Quadri had been held at the Minimum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, since January this year
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Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Apapa, Lagos state - Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has asserted that 'Nigeria has happened to Alabi Quadri'.
Legit.ng recalls that Quadri was the centre of attention during the 2023 election campaign when he stood in front of the convoy of the Labour Party chieftain, Peter Obi, in Lagos.
Source: Twitter
Following rife claims in the past few days about the teenager's imprisonment, Effiong visited him at the Minimum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos state.
Providing an update via a lengthy tweet, the activist paid a visit to the Magistrate Court of Lagos on Thursday, April 9. His visit was to 'ascertain the facts and circumstances that led to the arrest, detention and subsequent remand of Quadri.
After spending several hours at the court, Effiong was accompanied by a colleague, Quadri’s mother, and other family members and relatives to visit the inmate at the custodial centre.
Issuing a preliminary statement on the case, the human rights lawyer confirmed that Quadri had been in detention since January 2025.
The activist wrote:
"He was abducted by ‘Area Boys’ close to his home while returning from work.
"According to Alabi and his mother, his painful walk to prison can be attributed to the prolonged malice nursed by some self-acclaimed area boys of his locality who felt entitled to a share of the unexpected fortune that came Alabi’s way when he halted and stood in front of the convoy of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr @PeterObi during the last electioneering campaign.
"Since he failed to properly 'settle' some people, it has been one attack to another."
After allegedly seizing Quadri, the 'area boys', who were reportedly threatening to deal with him for not sharing the money he was gifted, were said to have dragged him to Amukoko Police Station where he was detained.
The lawyer continued:
"The area boys initially claimed that Alabi was one of the young men who has been involved in street fights.
"However, it came as a rude shock when the police took him before a Magistrate along with four other individuals who are complete strangers to him, alleging that he conspired with them to commit 'Armed Robbery' with cutlasses.
"The police in the charge sheet alleged that the alleged two victims were robbed of money and four mobile phones. The value of both the physical cash and four phones is N579,000 only."
Source: Twitter
Effiong noted that he spent about two hours interviewing Quadri about the veracity of the charges brought by the police.
He said:
"Speaking objectively, we all left Kirikiri with a strong conviction that this gentleman is just another victim of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
"The last point that we want to state on the record is that Alabi is a minor. He is less than 18 years. Currently, Alabi has appeared before the Magistrate on three occasions.
"The court remanded him along with the four strange individuals who are all adults at the custodial centre pending Legal Advice by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
"We shall provide additional information and the available legal options subsequently. Suffice it to say that we will do all that is legally permissible to secure Alabi’s freedom."
Peter Obi reacts to supporter's predicament
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has reacted to Alabi's predicament, saying he has contacted his lawyer, Effiong.
The Labour Party chieftain appealed to the police and other agents of the government to operate within the law and stop weaponizing citizens, especially the youths.
He posted on X:
"After delivering my speech at the Commonwealth event in London today, I was made aware of the predicament of a young boy named Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who has been detained for over three months without trial, appeared in court for the first time in March, and still remains held in custody.
"I have contacted a lawyer, Barrister Inibehe Effiong @InibeheEffiong, who, luckily, has been actively working to intensify his release.
"I sincerely appeal to the police and other agents of the government to always operate within the law and the rules and stop the weaponizing citizens, especially our youths, who need our care and love to unleash their talents and energy towards building a new Nigeria that is possible. -PO"
Youth advocate slams teen's detention, demands judicial reform
A youth development expert, Dipo Daniels Ajidahun, has expressed deep concern over the daily risks faced by youths in the country.
Ajidahun, who spoke with Legit.ng, said the incident of Alabi Quadri, reveals troubling flaws in the judicial system.
"Our judicial system should protect, not punish, the young and vulnerable," he said.
"It is unacceptable to detain a boy simply based on hearsay. Due diligence, active jury systems, and proper legal representation must be prioritized—especially for those who can’t afford lawyers."
The former secretary of Ondo State Youth Network also emphasised the importance of outreach and awareness in disadvantaged communities.
"I stress the need for continuous education and orientation in slums and less developed communities. I appreciate all who have spoken up for Quadri—thanks to social media and concerned citizens."
Ajidahun concluded with a call for societal reflection and action:
"We must uphold values and integrity as key tools for personal and community growth. Quadri's case—set up by peers after gaining attention during Mr. Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign—shows how broken our systems can be. Let’s do better."
'Nigeria is collapsing' - Peter Obi
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Obi voiced concern about Nigeria’s alleged deteriorating economic state, warning that the country is teetering on the edge of collapse.
Speaking at the Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, he pointed to 'worsening poverty levels and bleak national indicators', saying urgent intervention was needed.
According to the party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, the situation in Nigeria demands not silence but courage from citizens and political leaders to turn it around.
Additional reporting by Nurudeen Lawal, head of the politics and current affairs desk, who contributed Peter Obi’s response.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a youth development expert for this report.
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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.
Bruce Douglas (Head of Copyeditors) Bruce Douglas has 13 years of experience in community media, including coverage of sports, human interest, crime and politics.
