Outrage Continues As Police Explain Detention Of Peter Obi’s ‘Boy’

The Lagos State Police Command is under heavy fire from Nigerians on social media following the arrest and detention of Alabi Quadri, a teenage boy who rose to fame during the 2023 presidential election campaign for bravely standing in front of Peter Obi’s convoy.

Alabi’s recent arrest sparked outrage, with many accusing the authorities of targeting the boy with detention for his political proclivity to Peter Obi.

However, in a statement released by the police, they clarified that his detention had nothing to do with his past political display but was linked to a violent clash in the Amukoko area of Lagos on January 22, 2025.

According to the police, the incident involved a chaotic street fight between rival youth groups, which resulted in several injuries, destruction of property, and alleged cases of robbery targeting innocent passersby. Following investigations and multiple eyewitness accounts, Alabi and four others were arrested and arraigned before a Magistrate Court, which ordered their remand in a correctional facility.

Despite the police’s explanation of the detention of the boy, Alabi’s lawyer insisted that the teenager was falsely accused perhaps because of Peter Obi. He revealed that Alabi was forcibly taken by two men from his community who handed him over to the police, claiming he was involved in the fight. The lawyer also noted discrepancies in Alabi’s age, alleging that he was wrongly declared to be 18 years old.

The case took a dramatic turn on January 26, when the police charged Alabi with armed robbery—a serious allegation his legal team vehemently denied. Upon review, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) found no substantial evidence to support the charge, prompting the Apapa Magistrate Court to order his release on Thursday.

While the police maintained that due process was followed throughout the investigation, the case has continued to attract intense criticism from the public. Netizens accused the authorities of persecuting a minor simply because of his association with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Read some netizens’ reactions below;

@eatable_chidi: Alabi is a minor for Godsake, he was innocent and yet you detailed him for several months without evidence. It shall never be well with you and your criminal men. Useless organisation.

@christonyblend: This is why The Nigeria Police Force has no public trust. You guys twist the truth. Suddenly he is 18. You are meant to stand for the people but look at how you have been bastardised by APC. It will never be well with everyone involved in framing Alabi Quadri.

@anomalousprince: @BenHundeyin at least once in a while, try to work with a conscience, the boy is barely 17 years yet and you are here lying like a piece sh!t that he is 18years. How do we get balanced investigation and justice through the police like this?

@ogogmc: What evidence did the Police presented to the court to have a minor remanded in Prison since January 2025? How many more youths are in Prison today for similar lack of evidence from investigation by the Police?#Justice4AlabiQuadri @hrw @NhrcNigeria @AmnestyNigeria @USinNigeria

@thekulture: The lies coming out of this page even on the internet where the world can see is so disgraceful to all Nigerians! The boy isn’t even up to 17 yet! Stop making all Nigerians look like liars and untrustworthy! Stop disgracing Nigeria!

Many have recalled Alabi’s viral moment during the campaign period, when he courageously stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy, a gesture that earned him widespread admiration and symbolized youthful passion for political change.

In the face of growing public backlash, the police have called for calm, urging Nigerians to allow the legal system to run its course.
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