Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old boy who made headlines during the 2023 presidential election, has finally regained his freedom after months of unlawful detention.
On the 17th of April, 2025, a Magistrate Court in Lagos discharged Quadri of all charges after it was confirmed that no evidence linked him to the armed robbery allegations.
Recall that Quadri’s ordeal began when he was abducted near his home in Amukoko by some notorious area boys in the community, who had reportedly harassed him for not sharing donations he received following his viral moment during the elections.
His abductors falsely accused him of street fighting, but police escalated the matter, fraudulently charging him with armed robbery and remanding him at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The officers at the station misrepresented Quadri’s age as 18 and wrongfully linked him with four unrelated adult co-defendants.
His case only gained renewed attention after human rights activist Hassana Nurudeen of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach brought it into the spotlight.
Following legal intervention and advocacy, the court ruled in Quadri’s favor, and he was freed. His legal team is now demanding ₦100 million in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force, the immediate removal and prosecution of the DPO and involved officers, and a public apology.
His lead counsel, Inihebe Effiong also warned that if their demands are not met, legal action will be pursued.
