Boy Who Stood in Front of Obi’s Convoy Wrongfully Remanded Gets Millions in Donations
Quadri Alabi, the teenager who gained viral recognition in 2023 for his bold action of standing before Peter Obi’s campaign convoy, is receiving an outpouring of support from Nigerians after being wrongfully arrested and subjected to a harrowing ordeal, according to Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, over N10 million has been raised in just four days for Alabi.
Speaking on Channels TV on Monday, April 21st, Effiong detailed a disturbing case of alleged police misconduct, extortion, and manipulation surrounding Alabi’s arrest and detention. Alabi was recently freed after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, advised his release following concerns over the basis of the charges.
The ordeal, Effiong claims, began after Alabi’s brief moment of fame following the viral video. “After Quadri’s viral moment with Peter Obi, he gained modest fame and attracted public donations, attention that later made him a target,” Effiong explained. He alleges local “area boys” began extorting Alabi, demanding payment for not being “settled,” and even pressured his mother to host a celebratory party for the community, a request she refused, leading to escalating threats.
The situation culminated in Alabi being falsely accused of involvement in a street fight in the Amukoko area of Lagos State. Effiong alleges that area boys, identified as Leggy and Baba Waris, handed Alabi over to the police at Amukoko Division, led by CSP Ismaila Ulaniro. Despite a week in detention with no clear charges, Alabi was eventually brought before Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi on January 27th, accused of armed robbery alongside four adults he did not know.
“He was charged alongside four adults he didn’t know and accused of armed robbery,” Effiong stated emphatically. “No identification parade was conducted. There was zero evidence linking him to the crime.”
Perhaps most concerning, Effiong alleges police deliberately falsified Alabi’s age in court documents, claiming he was 18 years old. “They claimed he was 18. If they had said 17, the court might not have remanded him to a regular prison,” Effiong explained. He noted that the Magistrate herself acknowledged the discrepancy but felt obligated to proceed based on the information presented.
Alabi himself recounted the traumatizing experience , “I was at the entrance of my house when the police came. Area boys pointed me out. They had already taken my phone and the money I had on me. I was the youngest person in the cell.”
The DPP’s subsequent intervention led to Alabi’s release, but the ordeal has left a lasting impact. The swift and generous response to the crowdfunding campaign, however, demonstrates a widespread desire to support Alabi and his family.
“We’ve raised over ₦10 million in four days,” Effiong confirmed, “The goal is to relocate Quadri from Amukoko and to provide a stable source of income for his mother, who is a petty trader. This is a testament to the compassion and solidarity of everyday Nigerians.”
This case raises serious questions about police conduct in the Amukoko area and the potential for abuse of power. Effiong has indicated he intends to pursue further legal action to address the alleged misconduct and ensure justice for Alabi. The situation underscores the vulnerability of marginalized communities and the importance of citizen advocacy in safeguarding rights and demanding accountability from law enforcement.
