KEY POINTS
-
17-year-old Quadri Alabi was freed after a court found no evidence for his charges.
-
Alabi’s arrest was a result of a “frame-up” by local thugs, according to his lawyer.
-
His lawyer called for disciplinary action and compensation from the police.
Quadri Alabi, 17, was freed after nearly three months at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. He became famous during the 2023 presidential elections for standing in front of Peter Obi’s convoy.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions found no evidence to support the armed robbery charges. The Magistrate Court in Apapa discharged him on April 17, 2025.
Allegations of a frame-up
According to Punch, Alabi’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the arrest as a “diabolical frame-up.” He claimed local thugs in Amukoko, named Lege and Baba Waris, had abducted Alabi and falsely accused him of involvement in a street fight.
Effiong added that the teenager had faced threats from these individuals since 2023 over donations from Obi’s supporters. Local leaders reportedly pressured Alabi’s family to buy a cow and host a feast to appease the community.
No evidence to support charges
Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had advised no prosecution of Alabi. The legal advice showed no evidence for the armed robbery charges.
The court then discharged him. Effiong commended the DPP for standing by the truth and demanded disciplinary action against those involved in the case. He also called for N100 million in compensation and a public apology from the police.
