Alabi Quadri: Lawyer Demands ₦100 Million Compensation Over Arrest of Minor in Lagos

Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, has demanded ₦100 million in compensation from the Nigerian Police Force over the arrest and detention of 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, a minor who was accused of armed robbery. Effiong described the arrest as illegal and called for the immediate removal and disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko Divisional Headquarters in Lagos.

Quadri gained public attention in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections after a video of him standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, went viral. He was later arrested and detained at the Kirikiri prison for several months over an armed robbery charge, which his family strongly denied.

On Thursday, a Magistrate Court presided over by Adetola Olorunfemi ordered Quadri’s release, following a legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, which absolved the minor of the allegations.

Speaking to journalists after the court session in the Apapa area of Lagos, Effiong praised the DPP for what he described as a courageous stand for justice. He accused the police of orchestrating a “corrupt and oppressive scheme” to frame Quadri at the instigation of local miscreants, commonly referred to as “Area Boys.”

Effiong demanded not only compensation but also a public apology from the police. He specifically called for the DPO, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and all other officers involved to face an orderly room trial.

He warned that failure to meet these demands would result in immediate legal action to seek justice and redress. Effiong said Quadri’s ordeal highlights the deep-rooted corruption, impunity, and injustice within the Nigerian Police Force, describing it as a system that preys on vulnerable citizens.

“There are many Quadris languishing in detention centres across Nigeria because of the unbridled criminality, lawlessness, and lack of accountability in the Police institution and the weakness of the justice system,” he said, vowing to continue the fight for justice.