Lagos Court Frees Minor Detained After Standing Before Peter Obi’s Convoy In 2023

In a significant victory for justice and human rights, a Lagos Magistrate Court has officially discharged and released Alabi Quadri, the teenager who gained national attention during the 2023 general election campaign after he boldly stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy.

Background: A Symbol of Protest and Courage

Quadri’s brave act, captured in viral videos in the buildup to the 2023 presidential election, turned him into a symbol of youthful courage and political awareness. During the campaign trail, he stood in front of the convoy of then-presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party, earning widespread admiration across Nigeria.

However, this symbolic gesture came at a great personal cost. The teenager was later arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery, which led to his detention at Kirikiri Prison for several months.

Court Clears All Charges Against Alabi Quadri

On Thursday, Quadri finally got his day in court. Appearing before Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi at the Apapa Magistrate Court, he was declared free of all charges. The ruling followed legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who stated that there was no substantial evidence to support the claims of armed robbery.

According to court records, the DPP emphasized that there was no case to answer, which led to an immediate order for Quadri’s release.

“There is no proof that the minor committed any criminal offense,” the DPP affirmed in the legal report submitted to the court.

How the Date Was Fast-Tracked by Legal Advocates

Initially, Quadri’s next hearing was scheduled for April 28, 2025, but human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong intervened. Effiong, known for his commitment to justice and civil liberties, worked alongside the DPP to request an earlier date. The court approved the motion, enabling a quicker resolution of the case.

Effiong revealed on his social media channels that Quadri’s arrest and imprisonment were largely due to harassment from area boys—local gangs or thugs in his neighborhood—rather than any proven criminal activity.

He further stressed that the teenager had no ties to crime but was caught in a web of social injustice and systemic abuse.

A Call for Nigerian Prison Reform

Quadri’s story once again highlights the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s correctional and judicial systems. His wrongful imprisonment points to deeper issues of youth profiling, abuse of power, and the mistreatment of minors within the justice system.

According to a report from Amnesty International, thousands of Nigerian detainees, particularly minors, are held without trial for long periods due to systemic failures.

Conclusion: Justice Served, But More Work Needed

While the court’s decision to free Quadri is a step in the right direction, it also underscores the need for continuous advocacy, legal intervention, and reform. The brave teenager is now free, but his experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable youths in Nigeria.

As the country moves forward, voices like Effiong’s and actions like those of the DPP are vital in ensuring that justice prevails for every Nigerian—regardless of age, status, or background.