Peter Obi’s viral supporter regains freedom after months in detention

Seventeen-year-old Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who rose to national attention during the 2023 general elections for standing boldly in front of the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has finally regained his freedom after spending months in detention on a trumped-up armed robbery charge.

Alabi was released on Wednesday, April 17, 2025, after a Lagos Magistrate’s Court found no evidence to support the allegations against him.

His release follows legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that recommended he should not be prosecuted.

Quadri’s ordeal began in January when he was allegedly abducted near his Amukoko residence in Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA by two individuals widely known in the community as ‘Lege’ and ‘Baba Waris’.

According to reports, the duo, part of a group of local toughs had been harassing him for months, demanding a share of donations he received following his viral 2023 election moment.

Rather than charging him for the alleged street altercation they initially reported, police officers at the Amukoko Division escalated the matter, charging the teenager with armed robbery and misrepresenting his age as 18.

He was then remanded to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri and wrongly grouped with four adult suspects unconnected to his case.

Human rights advocates, including Ms. Hassana Nurudeen of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, brought the matter to public attention, prompting swift legal intervention.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi cited the DPP’s findings that there was no credible evidence linking Quadri to any criminal activity and ordered his immediate release.

Legal representatives for Quadri are now demanding accountability, including the removal of the Divisional Police Officer at Amukoko, disciplinary action against officers involved, and a compensation of N100 million.

They have also called for a public apology from the police, warning of legal action if these demands are not met.