17-Year-Old Obi Supporter Arrested Over Alleged Street Fight, Robbery – Police
The Lagos State Police Command has defended its action in the arrest and remand of Alabi Quadri, a 17-year-old boy who gained national attention during the general elections for bravely standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi’s convoy.
In a statement issued Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that Quadri was arrested in connection with a violent street clash that occurred earlier this year in the Amukoko area of Lagos.
The incident, which took place on January 22, involved a large-scale disturbance between rival youth groups, the police said without providing evidence.
It said the confrontation escalated into a chaotic street fight, resulting in significant damage to both public and private property
Several innocent bystanders were reportedly injured and robbed during the violence, according to the police, contrary to what the family said.
Hundeyin said the police launched an immediate investigation following the unrest.
Eyewitnesses and victims came forward with testimonies and identifications that aided in arresting the suspects, the police said, without naming any of the eyewitnesses or providing real details.
“Following a thorough and transparent investigation, Alabi Quadri and four others were arrested and charged in court in connection with the crime. The suspects were remanded by the court to a correctional facility pending the conclusion of legal proceedings in the matter,” Hundeyin stated.
He emphasised that the police acted on credible evidence and followed due process, adding that the police’s role ends once a case is charged in court, in line with Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“All police actions taken in this case have been in accordance with the laid-down processes and in accordance with due process and procedures and based on credible evidence gathered during the investigation.
“We urge the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course and be fully exhausted in the case. The Command remains open to engaging with the general public, opinion groups, and community stakeholders to transparently clarify every concern and ensure justice is served fairly and transparently.
“It’s a statutory procedure in the criminal justice system and codes that police actions terminate where matters are taken to court,” Hundeyin added.
Quadri was released on Thursday from the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre after spending several months in detention over an alleged armed robbery charge.
He was discharged by Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi of the Apapa Magistrate Court, following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, who found no evidence linking him to the alleged crime.
According to his lawyer, Mr Inibehe Effiong, Quadri was abducted near his home in the Amukoko area of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government by two known street thugs, Lege and Baba Waris, and handed over to the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters.
He alleged that Quadri had been a target of harassment from local gangs who resented the goodwill and donations he received after his viral encounter with Obi’s convoy. His family was reportedly pressured by community leaders, including the local Baale, to appease the thugs with gifts such as a cow and bags of rice.
In a controversial turn, police allegedly included Quadri’s name in a case involving four unidentified adult suspects, falsely stating his age as 18 to justify the charges.
Public attention intensified after Ms Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, raised alarm over Quadri’s detention, prompting a legal campaign for his release.
During Thursday’s court session, the magistrate cited the DPP’s advice, which recommended against prosecuting Quadri due to a lack of evidence.
Quadri’s lawyer is now demanding a public apology from the Nigeria Police Force and N100m in compensation for what is described as his unlawful arrest and detention.
17-Year-Old Obi Supporter Arrested Over Alleged Street Fight, Robbery – Police is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
