Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on the plight of Quadri Alabi, the young boy who captured hearts nationwide after standing boldly in front of Obi’s campaign convoy during the election.
The image, widely circulated at the time, drew national attention and was seen by many as symbolic of youth engagement during the election.
According to the report, Alabi is being held at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos State, prompting public concern and renewed calls for justice.
Obi, in a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, expressed deep concern after learning that the boy has been detained for over three months without trial.
According to him, Quadri was arrested on his way home from work and has been accused of theft and public fighting, charges many believe to be fabricated.
“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,” Obi wrote.
“He appeared in court for the first time in March and still remains held in custody. I have contacted a lawyer, Barrister Inibehe Effiong, who has thankfully already begun working on his release.”
Obi went on to make a passionate appeal to the authorities, “I sincerely urge the police and other agents of government to operate within the law and stop weaponizing the system against our citizens, especially our youths. These young people need our care and love to unleash their talents toward building a new Nigeria that is possible.”
The case surfaced after an X user, @Hausa_girl, reposted the viral image and disclosed that she had attended Alabi’s court hearing on March 27 at the Orege Magistrate Court in Ajegunle.
The matter was adjourned to April 28 and is currently with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), awaiting legal advice.
Supporters and eyewitnesses say the charges are baseless and that Quadri was framed by local individuals, one of whom reportedly stole his phone.
Some believe the public attention he received during the campaign season, including financial gifts, may have created resentment and contributed to his unjust treatment.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also called for immediate action. “Given the boy’s apparent innocence, urgent efforts are needed to get him out of prison,” he said, urging the public to connect his legal team with the boy’s family.
