Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, has met with Alabi Quadri, the teenage boy who was recently released from prison after being falsely accused of robbery.
The meeting, which took place in Lagos, marked the first time the two had come face to face since Alabi’s wrongful detention sparked public outrage and a national conversation on police misconduct and the abuse of minors in the justice system.
Obi, who was visibly moved during the meeting, pledged to sponsor Alabi’s education and help him pursue a meaningful path in life.
Photos from the gathering show both men deep in discussion and smiling as they addressed reporters.
We had a very engaging and productive meeting with Mr. @PeterObi in Lagos today to discuss the case of Quadri Alabi.
— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) April 18, 2025
He made a commitment to help Quadri to get the necessary training or education that he desires and deserves. pic.twitter.com/HTJmFgFim4
Boy target of organised gangs - Effiong
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who led Alabi’s defence, alleged that the teenager was the target of local gangs in Amukoko, Lagos, who had been extorting him since his sudden rise to prominence.
Alabi had appeared in a viral video standing before the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the last elections—a move that won him public admiration and donations.
Effiong claimed that two gang members, known as Lege and Baba Waris, abducted Alabi earlier this year and dragged him to a police station, where officers colluded with the pair to frame the teenager for robbery.
“The Area Boys had been threatening him since 2023 for not ‘sharing’ donations he received during the election period,” Effiong said in an X post.
“The family was even pressured by the community’s Baale to buy a cow and rice to appease these hoodlums.”
Authorities allegedly mishandled Quadri's case
What began as a case of alleged street fighting quickly escalated, Effiong said, when the Divisional Police Headquarters in Amukoko charged Alabi with armed robbery.
He was then misrepresented as an adult in official records and remanded alongside unrelated adults.
Civil rights campaigner Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, was credited with drawing attention to the case, prompting a swift legal response from Effiong’s team.
On Thursday, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi ruled in favour of Alabi’s release, citing advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, which stated that there was no credible evidence to support the charges.
Effiong is calling for disciplinary proceedings against officers involved in the case, including the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko and one Inspector Odigbe Samuel.
“If our demands are not met, we will not hesitate to seek redress in court,” Effiong warned.
