A teenager Alabi Quadri, who was released on Thursday after spending three months in custody due to allegations of armed robbery brought against him by the Lagos State Police Command, is now seeking N100 million in compensation from the police.
Quadri captured public attention when he boldly stood in front of the convoy of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, during Obi's visit to Lagos earlier that year.
His troubles began when individuals in his community, specifically in the Amukoko area, allegedly demanded a portion of the money he was said to have received from Obi during their encounter.
In a statement issued shortly after Quadri's release, his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, shared details of his client’s ordeal, including how he was abducted by these individuals while returning from work and subsequently handed over to the police.
Effiong recounted that the police brought Quadri to court under accusations of armed robbery, where they requested a remand order that was subsequently granted, resulting in Quadri being held at the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre.
Quadri's legal representative called for the prosecution of all officers involved in the case. Effiong further insisted that the police pay Quadri a compensation amounting to N100 million, warning that legal action would follow if this demand was not met.
There is a call for the Commissioner of Police of the Lagos State Command, along with the Inspector General of Police, to urgently remove the DPO of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and subject him to an orderly room trial, along with Inspector Odigbe Samuel and other officers implicated in this troubling, oppressive, and corrupt act of framing a teenager for armed robbery at the instigation of unscrupulous 'Area Boys'.
“We demand that the Nigeria Police Force pay the sum of N100 million to our client. We are demanding compensation for our client and a public apology from the police.b
“If our demands are not met in full and without delay, we will have no choice but to pursue legal action,” Effiong stated.
He further explained, “The family of Quadri informed us that the community baale pressured them to buy a cow and rice to placate the local area boys. Initially, the abductors told officers at Amukoko Police Station that our client was involved in a street fight.
“Much to the shock of Quadri and his family, on January 26, 2025, the police presented Quadri before a Magistrate in Apapa and secured an order to remand him at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri on unfounded charges of armed robbery.
“The police falsely associated Quadri with four unfamiliar adults, claiming they were his co-defendants, despite having no connection to him.”
Effiong also mentioned that the police misrepresented Quadri’s age in court to avoid raising suspicion. He highlighted that, after intervention from our legal representative and guidance from the Lagos State Department of Public Prosecution, Quadri was ultimately released by the presiding judge.
“As part of the malicious plot against our client, officers at Amukoko Police Station misrepresented his age as 18, fully aware that revealing his true age would likely attract scrutiny.”
Today in court, Magistrate A. O. Olorunfemi confirmed that the legal opinion provided by Dr. Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecutions for Lagos State, indicated that there was no evidence supporting the armed robbery allegation against Quadri.
“Based on the DPP’s advice, which recommended not to prosecute Quadri, the presiding Magistrate has discharged him, and he is now free. We commend the DPP for upholding the truth in this case,” said Effiong, Quadri’s lawyer.
In light of Quadri’s release, Effiong has initiated an urgent fundraising campaign to ensure the safety of Quadri Alabi and his family.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Effiong expressed concerns for Quadri's safety upon returning to their home in Amukoko, Lagos, revealing that the family has been facing ongoing threats.
“This appeal has become necessary because of active threats to Quadri and his family. Just this morning, they received new threats,” he stated.
He explained that those responsible for Quadri's situation continue to endanger them, with the family encountering fresh threats as recently as Thursday morning.
“Amukoko is no longer safe for them; those behind his struggles could easily target him or his family again,” Effiong noted. He mentioned that they have arranged hotel accommodation for the family for the night and emphasized the urgent need for financial support to facilitate their relocation.
The fundraiser, requested by Quadri’s family, aims to assist them in moving to a safer location, covering basic living expenses, and supporting Quadri's rehabilitation.
Additionally, the appeal seeks to aid Quadri’s mother, a petty trader, who is finding it challenging to provide for her children after the loss of her husband.
“She has appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to help her care for herself and her children,” Effiong remarked.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, Effiong stressed the importance of giving Quadri an opportunity to rebuild his life.
The young man has expressed a genuine eagerness to return to his studies and gain a vocational skill.
“We must work to rehabilitate Quadri so he can contribute positively to himself and society,” he emphasized.
Effiong reassured potential donors that every penny raised would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and prevent any misuse.
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