Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have called for justice for Yusuf Alabi Quadri, a young boy who has been locked up without trial since January 2025. He is being held at the Kirikiri Minimum Security Custodial Centre in Lagos.
Yusuf, under 18, became known nationwide in 2023 after a viral photo showed him standing boldly in front of Obi’s campaign convoy in Lagos. The moment was seen as a symbol of courage and youthful hope. It also earned him financial gifts from Obi, a popular socialite and Cubana Chief Priest. However, that exact moment now appears to have contributed to his current ordeal.
In a statement posted on Wednesday, Effiong said he visited the Apapa Magistrate Court on 9 April to find out the full details of Yusuf’s case. He was joined by a colleague, Yusuf’s mother and other family members, and a social activist who first brought the matter to public attention.
Effiong said Yusuf was abducted near his home in Amukoko, Lagos, by a group of self-proclaimed “area boys.” They reportedly had a long-standing grudge against him because he did not give them part of the money he received after his viral moment with Obi.
These boys dragged Yusuf to the Amukoko Police Station, also known as Pako Police Station. They accused him of being involved in street fights, but in a surprising twist, the police took Yusuf to court and charged him with armed robbery. He was reportedly arraigned alongside four adults he had never met before.
The police allege that the group used cutlasses to rob two people of cash and four mobile phones. The total value of the stolen items was said to be ₦579,000. Yusuf stated that he was innocent and did not know the co-accused.
Effiong and his team also visited Yusuf at the Kirikiri prison. He said they spent about two hours speaking with him. From their conversations, Effiong said they strongly believe that Yusuf is a victim of injustice and abuse of process.
Speaking objectively, we all left Kirikiri with a strong conviction that this gentleman is just another victim of Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The last point that we want to state on the record is that Alabi is a Minor. He is less than 18 years. Currently, Alabi has appeared before the Magistrate on three occasions, Effiong emphasised.
The lawyer promised to do everything legally to secure the boy’s release. He also said more information would be shared with the public soon.
Peter Obi, who had earlier gifted Yusuf money after their first encounter, spoke up. On Tuesday night, he posted a message on his X handle asking for Yusuf’s release.
I sincerely appeal to the police and other agents of the government to always operate within the law and the rules and stop the weaponizing citizens, especially our youths, who need our care and love to unleash their talents and energy towards building a new Nigeria that is possible, the message partly read.
The next hearing in Yusuf’s case is scheduled for 28 April. Nigerians are watching closely and demanding that justice be done.
