JUST IN: Court Frees Alabi Quadri, Teen Who Stood in Front of Peter Obi’s Convoy, After Months in Prison

Alabi Quadri, the teenager who captured national attention in 2023 after standing boldly in front of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign convoy, has been released from custody following a court order in Lagos.

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi of the Apapa Magistrate Court ordered Quadri’s immediate release after the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised that there was no evidence to support the armed robbery charges brought against him.

Quadri had spent months in detention at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after being arraigned on allegations of conspiracy to commit armed robbery—charges that human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described as baseless and politically motivated. His arrest followed months of harassment by local thugs who were reportedly resentful of the attention and support he received after his viral moment during the 2023 elections.

Effiong, who led the legal effort to secure Quadri’s freedom, confirmed the court’s decision and welcomed the development as a major step toward justice for the young man. Quadri’s case had gained renewed public interest in recent days as activists and citizens called for his release.