Court Clears Teen Who Stood Before Peter Obi’s Convoy in 2023

A Lagos Magistrate Court has ordered the release of Alabi Quadri, the teenager who drew national attention during the 2023 general elections for standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy.

Quadri had been held for several months at Kirikiri Prison before appearing at the Apapa Magistrate Court on Thursday, April 17.

Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi dismissed the charges of conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery, declaring that Quadri had no case to answer.

The ruling followed legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who found no credible evidence against the teenager.

“There is no basis for prosecuting this boy. The evidence simply doesn’t exist,” the DPP’s statement concluded.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who has consistently called for Quadri’s release, said the charges stemmed from “long-standing resentment” among local boys rather than any real criminal offence.

“His recent ordeal in the Nigerian prison system was not due to any serious criminal offence. It was the result of targeted intimidation,” Effiong said.

He added that although the court hearing was initially scheduled for April 28, 2025, he and the DPP successfully pushed for an earlier date.

Quadri became a viral figure during the tense 2023 pre-election period, praised for his boldness after a video of him confronting Peter Obi’s convoy surfaced online.

Following his release, activists and supporters are urging reforms in the justice system to prevent similar cases of injustice, especially involving minors.