By TheWatch.NG
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has reacted to the heartbreaking detention of Alabi Quadri, the young boy who went viral during the 2023 election campaign for bravely standing in front of Obi’s convoy.
Alabi’s symbolic act of courage drew national attention and brought him a wave of goodwill and support. However, nearly two years later, that same moment of fame has led to an unexpected and painful turn in his life.
According to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Alabi’s current ordeal began when certain self-proclaimed ‘area boys’ in his neighborhood turned against him, believing they were entitled to a share of the attention and support he received after the viral video.
In January 2025, these individuals allegedly abducted Alabi as he returned home from work, accused him of involvement in street fights, and took him to Amukoko Police Station. He was later charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery alongside four strangers despite being a minor under 18. He has since been remanded in Kirikiri Prison, appearing in court multiple times while awaiting legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Peter Obi, responding to Alabi’s situation via his official account on X (formerly Twitter), wrote:
“I have just read the saddening story of Alabi Quadri, the young boy who showed great courage during my campaign and stood in front of my convoy in Lagos.
I am deeply troubled by reports of his incarceration and the troubling circumstances surrounding it.
I appeal to the Nigerian authorities and law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and justly to review his case. Our legal and justice systems must not victimize the weak and voiceless.
Alabi is a symbol of Nigerian youth—brave, hopeful, and full of promise. We owe him protection, not persecution.
I stand with him and his family in this difficult time and trust that justice will prevail.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Inibehe Effiong has pledged to pursue all legal options to secure Alabi’s release, describing him as “a victim of Nigeria’s broken justice system.”
