The Lagos State Police has revealed the real reason behind the arrest of Alabi Quadri, the teenager who gained attention during the 2023 presidential campaign for standing in front of Peter Obi’s convoy.
According to the police, Alabi was not arrested because of his past involvement in the political event, but due to a violent street fight that happened in the Amukoko area of Lagos on January 22, 2025.
The incident involved clashes between groups of youths that left several people injured and properties destroyed.
The police also received reports that some passersby were robbed during the unrest.
An investigation was launched after the disturbance, with eyewitnesses and victims providing information that led to the arrest of Alabi and four others.
They were later taken to court, and the judge ordered their remand in a correctional facility while the case continued.
Despite this, Alabi’s lawyer insisted that the arrest was based on false claims.
He said Alabi was taken by two men from his area who accused him of being part of the fight.
These men allegedly handed him over to the police, and the lawyer claimed that the boy had no connection with the others arrested and that his age was wrongly stated as 18.
On January 26, the police charged Alabi with armed robbery, a claim his legal team described as unfounded.
After the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions reviewed the case, it was determined that there was no evidence to support the robbery charge.
This led the Magistrate Court in Apapa to order his release on Thursday.
While the police maintained that all steps taken followed due process, the case attracted public attention because of Alabi’s past political encounter.
Authorities have asked the public to remain calm and allow the legal system to conclude the matter fairly.
Which legal system, the one that is working or not working?