By Ayomide Otitoju
The Magistrate Court sitting in Apapa has ordered the release of 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, whose case drew national attention after he was detained for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi granted the release following legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), effectively bringing an end to the controversial case.
Quadri had been held at the Kirikiri Minimum Security Custodial Centre since January, sparking public outcry and drawing the intervention of human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.
In a preliminary statement via X, Effiong described the teenager’s ordeal as a tragic reflection of the failures within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. He noted that he visited the court on April 9, 2025, alongside a colleague, Quadri’s mother, and a social activist to investigate the circumstances surrounding the prolonged detention.
“We can confirm that Alabi has been in detention since January. He was abducted by area boys near his home while returning from work,” Effiong stated.
According to the lawyer, Quadri and his family believe his arrest stemmed from resentment among local youths who felt entitled to a portion of a financial gift he reportedly received after his public encounter with Peter Obi.
With the court’s decision, Effiong and rights advocates have called for systemic reforms to prevent similar miscarriages of justice in future.
