Obi Breaks Silence on Continued Detention of Boy Who Went Viral for Standing in Front of His Campaign Convoy

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, has spoken out about the continued detention of Yusuf Alabi, a young boy who has been held without trial at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos for over three months.

Alabi first gained attention during the 2023 election period when a viral photo showed him standing in front of Obi’s campaign convoy in Lagos. However, since January, he has reportedly been detained, with his first court appearance only taking place in late March.

Obi, who recently learned of Alabi’s situation while delivering a speech in London, expressed concern over the boy’s prolonged detention. In a post shared on his official X handle, Obi wrote: “After delivering my speech at the Commonwealth event in London today, I was made aware of the predicament of a young boy named Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who has been detained for over three months without trial, appeared in court for the first time in March, and still remains held in custody.”

The Labour Party leader went on to urge law enforcement and government officials to adhere to legal standards and avoid using citizens, especially young people, as tools for political or social manipulation. “I sincerely appeal to the police and other agents of the government to always operate within the law and the rules and stop the weaponizing of citizens, especially our youths, who need our care and love to unleash their talents and energy towards building a new Nigeria,” Obi added.

Alabi’s case has garnered legal support, with human rights lawyer Barrister Inibehe Effiong intensifying efforts to secure his release. Effiong confirmed Obi’s direct involvement, acknowledging the former presidential candidate’s efforts to help. “I confirm that you contacted me earlier today in respect of this case. I commend your interest in the case, Sir,” Effiong wrote on X. “Efforts have been intensified in the last 24 hours to ensure that justice is done and that Quadri Yusuf Alabi regains his freedom soonest.”

Providing an update on April 9, Effiong shared new details about Alabi’s arrest. He revealed that the teenager was abducted by local youths known as “Area Boys” near his home while returning from work. The youths were reportedly upset about not receiving a share of gifts Alabi received after the viral incident during Obi’s campaign.

Effiong further explained that Alabi was handed over to the police at Amukoko Police Station, where he was charged with armed robbery alongside four strangers. The police alleged that the group had stolen N579,000 in cash and mobile phones, though Effiong maintains that Alabi is innocent.

During a two-hour interview at the correctional centre, Effiong expressed his belief that Alabi is a victim of the country’s flawed criminal justice system. “Speaking objectively, we all left Kirikiri with a strong conviction that this gentleman is just another victim of Nigeria’s criminal justice system,” Effiong said.

Effiong also raised concerns about the handling of Alabi’s case, noting that he has been tried alongside adult co-defendants despite being a minor. The case is currently awaiting legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.

As efforts continue to secure Alabi’s release, Effiong vowed to pursue all available legal avenues to ensure the young boy’s freedom. “We shall provide additional information and the available legal options subsequently. Suffice it to say that we will do all that is legally permissible to secure Alabi’s freedom,” he assured.