Obi reunites with teen supporter, Quadri, after prison release, reveals what he’ll do for him

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has met with Quadri  Alabi, the teenager who drew national attention during Obi’s campaign after bravely standing in front of his convoy.

Alabi was released from prison in Lagos on Thursday after months of incarceration over alleged robbery charges.

His detention, which activists described as unlawful, sparked public outcry and legal efforts that ultimately led to his freedom.

In a post on his X handle, Obi wrote:”Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy whose story moved us all. After enduring unjust and illegal incarceration, he is finally free, and I am very grateful to the lawyers led by @InibeheEffiong, who fought for his release and also @DeleFarotimi and Ms Hassana Nurudeen,, whose constant intervention was instrumental in securing justice for the young lad.

“I listened to Quadri today, and one thing stood out clearly: his unwavering desire for education. Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education and I will make sure he gets it.

“His determination is not just inspiring; it is a call to action, and I am committed to ensuring that he gets the education he desires and deserves.

“In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for his illegal incarceration must be held accountable. As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished.

“I once again thank the lawyers and everyone who stood and remained unrelenting for justice.

“Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity and justice, care and protection of the less privileged in our midst will stand as the foundation of our democracy.”

Quadri’s story had captured the public’s imagination in 2023 when he was seen standing boldly in front of Obi’s campaign convoy. However, in January 2025, he was arrested and detained at Kirikiri Prison following accusations by local youths who alleged his involvement in a robbery.

His release came after Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi of the Apapa Magistrate Court ruled there was no evidence to support the charges, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who led the legal team that secured his release, also launched a fundraising appeal to support Alabi and his family.

“Following my discussion with the family of Quadri Alabi and at their request, I hereby appeal to all conscientious organizations, individuals, and corporate entities to offer immediate financial assistance to Quadri to enable him and his family relocate from their present community and home,” Effiong said in a post on X.

“Amukoko is no longer safe for them, those behind his travails can easily target him or his family members again.

“This appeal has become imperative due to active threats to Quadri and his family. As at this morning, they still received threats.

“Upon the release of Quadri at the court, it became apparent that it is no longer safe for them to return to their home. Due to the urgency and severity of the situation, we have paid for and lodged them in a hotel for tonight.

“In addition to the necessity of relocation, Quadri’s mother who is a ‘petty trader’, has also pleaded with Nigerians to assist her financially to enable her cater for herself and her children. Her husband (Quadri’s father) is deceased.

“Finally, we need to rehabilitate Quadri for him to be useful to himself and the society. He has expressed a desire to go to school. He is also open to acquiring a skill.

“If you are minded to assist, kindly send your support to the account details below:

“Account No: 0092695127Bank: Sterling BankAccount Name: Quadri Yusuf Alabi

“We will do our best this time to ensure that whatever is donated to Quadri is properly utilized and not misappropriated.”

Within two hours of the appeal, Effiong reported that the fundraising campaign had already raised N3 million, though he noted that more support was still needed.

“We have raised N3m within two hours of announcing the fundraising for Quadri Alabi.“We are still far from the target, but the amount raised so far demonstrates that there are good and spirited people in Nigeria. Please keep donating,” he added.

Activists say Alabi was wrongfully arrested while returning home from work, and his mother believes the allegations may have stemmed from jealousy among street urchins upset by the financial assistance he received following his public support for Obi.