More than N10 million has been gathered for Quadri Alabi in just four days, according to human rights attorney Inibehe Effiong, who claims that the police misrepresented Alabi’s age of 18 in order to prosecute him in court, despite the fact that he is only 17.
In an appearance with Channels TV on Monday, when he and Alabi were both guests, Effiong disclosed this.
A violent street battle in Lagos’ Amukoko neighborhood earlier this year led to Alabi’s detention and subsequent charges. But after receiving legal counsel from Dr. Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi subsequently released him.
Speaking on national television, Effiong clarified that Inspector Odigbe Samuel, Alabi, and other policemen were put through an internal police trial by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko Division. He explained their behavior as a component of an “evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme” to frame a teenager for armed robbery, instigated by rogue ‘area boys.’
According to Effiong: “The boy sitting next to me, Quadri Alabi, as you know, went viral in 2023 during one of Peter Obi’s campaign tours. He spontaneously jumped in front of the convoy, raised his hand, and the photo went viral. That moment changed his life. Donations were made, and he gained some popularity.
“Unfortunately, with that fame came harassment. Local area boys began extorting him, saying he hadn’t ‘settled’ them. They even told his mother to buy a cow, cook rice, and throw a feast for the community. When she refused, the threats continued.
“This is actually the second time these same individuals, with support from the Amukoko Police, targeted him. The first time, he was quietly detained. The second time, in January, he was returning home from work when he was arrested by area boys, specifically known as Leggy and Baba Waris, who accused him of ignoring them despite the money he had received from Peter Obi.
“They handed him over to the police, claiming he was involved in a street fight. His mother was told the same. She even confronted one of the area boys, who admitted it was about the money.
“Shockingly, he was detained for a full week before being taken to court on January 27. The DPO, CSP Ismaila Ulaniro, kept him in custody illegally during this period.”
