Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has disclosed that more than ₦10 million has been raised within four days to support Quadri Alabi, the teenager who gained widespread attention in 2023 after he was photographed saluting the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Effiong made the revelation during a recent interview on Channels Television, where he appeared alongside Alabi. He alleged that the police falsely declared Alabi to be 18 years old in court documents to enable his prosecution, despite the fact that he is only 17.
Alabi had earlier been arrested in connection with a violent street altercation in the Amukoko area of Lagos. However, he was later released by Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi following a legal review from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, which found no basis for the charges.
According to Effiong, Alabi’s arrest was the result of a deliberate and corrupt attempt by certain police officers and local miscreants to frame the teenager for armed robbery.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko Division, alongside Inspector Odigbe Samuel and others, subjected Alabi to an unlawful internal trial,” Effiong stated. “It was an evil, sinister, and oppressive plot, orchestrated by rogue ‘area boys’ in collaboration with corrupt police officers.”
Effiong recalled that Alabi’s life changed after the viral photo taken during Peter Obi’s campaign trail. “He became a symbol of hope and gained public attention, which unfortunately made him a target,” he said.
He narrated how local gang members allegedly began harassing Alabi, demanding money and celebrations in exchange for his newfound popularity. When his mother refused to host a community feast, the threats escalated.
“This is not the first time Alabi has been targeted,” Effiong continued. “In January, while returning from work, he was arrested by known area boys—Leggy and Baba Waris—who accused him of failing to ‘settle’ them. He was handed over to the police and falsely accused of participating in a street fight.”
Despite the lack of evidence and an identification parade, Alabi was detained for a week and then arraigned alongside four adult men he had never met. The police alleged their involvement in an armed robbery incident that took place on January 22.
Effiong also accused the police of deliberately falsifying Alabi’s age. “They claimed he was 18 so he could be tried as an adult. Had they acknowledged he was 17, he might not have been remanded in a standard correctional facility. The magistrate noted this discrepancy but had no alternative records to rely on.”
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Recounting his ordeal, Alabi said: “I was arrested at the entrance of my home after being pointed out by the area boys. I was detained with older men. Before the police came, they had already taken my phone and the money in my pocket.”
Effiong confirmed that over ₦10 million in donations has been raised to help relocate Alabi from Amukoko and support his family. “The funds will be used to secure a safer environment for Quadri and establish a sustainable source of income for his mother, who currently works as a petty trader,” he said. “This is a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Nigerian people.
