Quadri Alabi: Lawyer Accuses Police Of Spreading ‘Fake News’

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has accused the Lagos State Police Command of disseminating false information in an attempt to justify the unlawful arrest and detention of 17-year-old Quadri Alabi.

The Command had, in a statement on Saturday, defended its action in the arrest and remand of Quadri, who gained national attention during the general elections for bravely standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi’s convoy.

According to the statement, Quadri was arrested in connection with a violent street clash that occurred earlier this year in the Amukoko area of the state.

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

However, Effiong described the police’s statement on the case as false, provocative, and ridiculous.
“Our attention has been drawn to a false and provocative statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command in which the Command unsuccessfully attempted to mislead the public on the fabricated case they initiated against Quadri Alabi.

“The statement is not only laughable; it is ridiculous. It is embarrassing to see the police spread disinformation and fake news about an innocent Nigerian child,” Effiong stated on X.

According to the lawyer, Quadri was abducted by two known street thugs, identified as Lege and Baba Waris, while on his way home from work and subsequently dumped at the Amukoko Divisional Police Station.

Effiong said these same individuals have been harassing the teenager since 2023, demanding a share of the donations he received after gaining national attention for standing in front of the convoy of Obi.

Effiong refuted police allegations that Quadri was arrested for involvement in street fighting, destruction of property, and robbery.

“Quadri was not involved in street fighting and did not rob anyone; he also did not damage anyone’s property.

“There was no time that our client was identified by any victim of the alleged crimes. The police should tell the public when and where the identification was done and the method used.

“How was Quadri identified by the alleged victims when no identification parade was conducted as required by law, given that the alleged offences were said to have been committed at about 10 pm?” Effiong noted.

He further challenged the police to disclose the identity of the officer who arrested Quadri and the exact location of the arrest.

Effiong emphasised that Quadri, who was born on September 29, 2007, is still a minor, contrary to the police’s claim that he is 18 years old. He added that Quadri was detained for nearly a week before being taken before a magistrate, a clear violation of constitutional provisions on the detention of suspects.

Despite legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) clearing Quadri of wrongdoing and his eventual discharge by the court, he said the police have refused to show remorse.

Effiong condemned their continued insistence on Quadri’s alleged guilt as “lawlessness and utter contempt for justice”.

He vowed to seek legal redress against the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh; the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko, CSP Olaniran Ismaila; and the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Odigbe Samuel. A formal complaint will also be filed with the Police Service Commission.

“By taking this path, the Nigeria Police Force is reminding the country that it is very far from redemption.

“We shall meet the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh; the DPO of Amukoko, CSP Olaniran Ismaila O.; the IPO Inspector, Odigbe Samuel; and others in the court in the coming days to seek redress and adequate compensation for Quadri.

“We will also file a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission against the lawless DPO of Amukoko.

“Nigeria is our country; we will not allow agents of impunity to get away with such abominable oppression of a Nigerian child,” Effiong added.

Quadri Alabi: Lawyer Accuses Police Of Spreading ‘Fake News’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper