In a landmark ruling, the Apapa Magistrate Court has discharged 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, the teenager who gained national attention during the 2023 elections after a viral video showed him standing fearlessly in front of Labour Party former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy.

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

Quadri Alabi was wrongfully detained for months on a trumped-up charge of armed robbery. He was discharged on Wednesday, April 16, by the Magistrate court after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice found no evidence to support the allegations against him.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Esq., who led Quadri’s defense, revealed shocking details. The teenager was abducted by local thugs—known as "Lege" and "Baba Waris," who had previously harassed him over donations he received after his 2023 election fame

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

He was initially accused of fighting, but his case took a different turn and escalated when the police charged him with armed robbery and presented him before a magistrate. Police later falsely listed him as 18 to bypass juvenile protections and bundled him with unrelated adult suspects as fellow group members. 

After advocacy by Ray of Hope Prison Outreach by Hassana Nurudeen the case was brought public, and Effiong's team became involved in the injustice against the minor. And last week a delegate from the obidient movement visited the lawyer and his team at the prison premises to ascertain more facts as they relate to the case.

After the swift legal interventions, the court reviewed the DPP’s legal advice, which recommended that Quadri not be prosecuted due to lack of evidence.

Presiding Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.) accordingly discharged Quadri, bringing a bitter chapter to an end for the teenager.

The legal counsel Inibehe Effiong, Esq on his X handle call on fans and well wishers to help relocate the teenager and his family from their present location in Lagos, since its now evident that they are no longer save within there present location as the threat against the family is still a nightmare. It write state below:

URGENT FUNDRAISING FOR QUADRI ALABI

Following my discussion with the family of Quadri Alabi and at their request, I hereby appeal to all conscientious organizations, individuals, and corporate entities to offer immediate financial assistance to Quadri to enable him and his family relocate from their present community and home.

Amukoko is no longer safe for them, those behind his travails can easily target him or his family members again.

This appeal has become imperative due to active threats to Quadri and his family. As at this morning, they still received threats.

Upon the release of Quadri at the court, it became apparent that it is no longer safe for them to return to their home. Due to the urgency and severity of the situation, we have paid for and lodged them in a hotel for tonight.

In addition to the necessity of relocation, Quadri’s mother who is a ‘petty trader’, has also pleaded with Nigerians to assist her financially to enable her cater for herself and her children. Her husband (Quadri’s father) is deceased.

Finally, we need to rehabilitate Quadri for him to be useful to himself and the society. He has expressed a desire to go to school. He is also open to acquiring a skill. 

If you are minded to assist, kindly send your support to the account details below:

Account No: 0092695127

Bank: Sterling Bank

Account Name: Quadri Yusuf Alabi

We will do our best this time to ensure that whatever is donated to Quadri is properly utilized and not misappropriated. 

Thank you.