We Arrested Him For Armed Robbery; Kirikiri Prison Finally Breaks Silence Over Alabi Quadri Who Stood Before Peter Obi’s Convoy
The Nigerian Minimum Correctional Centre, Lagos, popularly known as Lagos Kirikiri Prison has released Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy who became a national symbol of courage during the 2023 general elections, for standing boldly in front of the convoy of then-Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Quadri, who was thrown into prison by the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Police headquarters over alleged conspiracy and armed robbery, was released on Thursday afternoon after the Apapa Magistrate Court, Court 9 sitting at Orege, Ajegunle – Sikiru Adagun Courthouse, discharged and acquitted him.
He was discharged by Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi, following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, which concluded that there was no evidence linking the teenager to the alleged crime.
Speaking to journalists at the court premises after his physical release, Quadri who confirmed that he is 17 years old, said that he had a terrible experience in prison but thanked God and Nigerians for fighting for him and securing his freedom.
“Amid tears, Quadri said, “It was not easy for me there. A lot of things happened. I didn’t feel well at all. But thank God I’m out. I feel better now.”
While thanking Nigerians for their support, Quadri, who lamented that he and his family are not safe as they are under threats from various corners, appealed to Nigerians for urgent help with accommodation in a safer place and financial support to go back to school.
“I thank Nigerians for all you people did to set me free. Thank you. Please, I still need you people’s help. I’m homeless now because our place is not safe for us again.
“Also, please help my mother to start doing something. She is not doing anything now. I also want to go to school. Please, help me and my mother,” he pleaded.
His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, said that Quadri who enjoyed a momentary fame following his display at Obi’s 2023 election campaign, has gone back to square one as the monetary gifts he received have been wiped off following his incarceration.
Effiong pleaded with Nigerians to come to the aid of Quadri and his family, noting that the teenager needs rehabilitation, safe accommodation and financial support to establish himself.
Naija News House earlier reported that Effiong said that Quadri was abducted in January 2025 by two individuals known as “Lege” and “Baba Waris” — members of a group of local enforcers or “Area Boys” in Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos.
The lawyer revealed that the duo, allegedly jealous of the attention and donations Alabi received after his viral moment in 2023, handed him over to officers at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters.
Effiong stated that the ‘Area Boys’ (thugs) and even the Baale (community leader) had been harassing the family since 2023, demanding a share of the donations made to Alabi after his photo with Peter Obi went viral. The Baale allegedly told Alabi’s mother to buy a cow, rice, and cook food to appease the youths.
It was not until human rights activist Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, brought the case to public attention that legal support was mobilised. Effiong took up the case and began pushing for Alabi’s release.
He explained that Quadri had never met the individuals listed as his co-defendants,” Effiong said, condemning the police action as a “diabolical frame-up.”
He added that Alabi had been subjected to harassment, humiliation, and psychological trauma for a crime he knew nothing about.
The DPP’s advice to the court led to Alabi’s discharge on Thursday, affirming that there was no basis for prosecution.
Effiong reiterated the demand for N100 million in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force, a public apology, and the immediate removal and trial of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko station, as well as the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and others involved in the alleged plot.
He also warned that failure to meet the demands would lead to a full-scale legal battle for justice.
