By Ibanga Isine
The court discharged the teenager after the DPP found no evidence of robbery or Street fight allegations
In a surprising twist, the Lagos State Police Command has defended its controversial arrest of 17-year-old Quadri Alabi, just one day after a court discharged him of all charges.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Babajide Martins, confirmed that no evidence linked him to any crime.
Quadri Alabi came to national prominence in 2023 when he was photographed standing boldly in front of the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. That moment won him public admiration and support — but also allegedly put him in the crosshairs of local thugs and, ultimately, the police.
Police Statement Comes After Court Discharge and DPP Clearance
The police statement, signed by Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin and posted on the Command’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, claimed that Quadri was involved in a violent street fight on January 22, 2025, in the Amukoko area of Lagos, where several people were reportedly injured and robbed, and property destroyed.
According to the police, Alabi was identified by both witnesses and victims of the alleged violence and was arrested alongside four other suspects.
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However, Quadri’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, strongly disputes these claims. Effiong stated that no identification parade was ever conducted, and no victim came forward in court to confirm Alabi’s involvement. He also noted that the boy was detained beyond the constitutional limit before he was unlawfully arraigned and remanded to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
“Despite the DPP’s legal advice exonerating Quadri and a court order discharging him, the police are now desperately trying to save face by spreading falsehood,” Effiong said.
Legal Advice Confirms No Evidence Against Alabi
The DPP’s legal advice stated clearly that there was no sufficient evidence linking Alabi to any acts of robbery, assault, or public disturbance. Acting on that advice, the Magistrate Court in Apapa ordered his release on April 18, 2025.
Effiong alleged that Quadri was abducted near his home by two street urchins known as Lege and Baba Waris, who had been harassing the boy since 2023 in an attempt to extort part of the donations he received after the Peter Obi incident.
Quadri Alabi, united with his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, at the Magistrate Court, Lagos, on Thursday
These individuals reportedly handed him over to police at the Amukoko Division, falsely claiming he was part of a fight.
Despite the court’s discharge, the police issued their statement on April 19, repeating the same unproven allegations and defending their handling of the case.
Lawyer Vows Legal Action Against Police Officers Involved
Effiong has promised to take legal action against key officers involved in the case, including the DPO of Amukoko Division, CSP Olaniran Ismaila O., and the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Odigbe Samuel. He also plans to file a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission.
“This is a shameful abuse of power. The Nigeria Police Force cannot continue to get away with framing innocent people, especially minors,” Effiong said. “We are taking this to court.”
Alabi’s Age Misrepresented by Police
Another contentious issue was the police’s claim that Quadri is 18 years old. Effiong has provided Alabi’s birth certificate, confirming that the boy was born on September 29, 2007, making him 17 years old at the time of his arrest — and therefore a minor under Nigerian law.
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The other four people charged alongside Alabi are all adults and are not known to him, the lawyer said. The case has sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians questioning why the police would issue a statement defending themselves after the judiciary had cleared the boy.
Human rights advocates are also concerned about what they call increasing collaboration between police officers and local thugs to intimidate vulnerable citizens.
