Alabi Quadri, Teen Who Stood Before Peter Obi’s Convoy, to Appear in Lagos Court After Months in Kirikiri

Alabi Quadri, the teenager who became a viral symbol of courage during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections for standing fearlessly before the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, is set to appear before a Lagos court on Thursday, April 17, 2025, following months in detention at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong confirmed that Quadri will be produced by the Nigerian Correctional Service at 9 a.m. before the Apapa Magistrate Court located at Sikiru Adagun Courthouse, Orege, Ajegunle. The case, originally scheduled for April 28, was brought forward after both Effiong and the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions filed an application to vary the date, which the court has approved.

Quadri’s story gained national attention after a video of him, then a teenage boy, standing defiantly in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy circulated widely online. The moment was embraced by many as a representation of youthful hope and resilience during a highly charged political period.

Effiong, who has taken up Quadri’s case, emphasized the need to support young Nigerians who embody the struggles of the country’s youth. He stated that he and his legal team, along with Quadri’s family, will be present at the court hearing and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice prevails.

The circumstances leading to Quadri’s imprisonment have sparked outrage. According to Effiong, Quadri’s troubles began after some self-acclaimed area boys in his neighborhood became resentful of the support and goodwill he received after his viral moment. These individuals allegedly abducted Quadri near his home in January while he was returning from work and took him to the Amukoko Police Station, accusing him of involvement in street fights.

Shockingly, he was arraigned alongside four strangers on charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery involving cutlasses, with the alleged victims reportedly losing N579,000 in cash and four mobile phones. Effiong, who visited Quadri at the Minimum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, described the charges as deeply troubling and reflective of a broken justice system.

He further revealed that despite being a minor, Quadri has been held in custody with adults since January, a situation that raises serious legal and human rights concerns. Effiong pledged to pursue all lawful means to secure Quadri’s freedom and said additional updates on the case would follow.

“This young man is a victim, not a criminal,” Effiong stated. “We will not relent until justice is served.”