NIGERIA: Peter Obi Meets Imprisoned Teen Supporter, Quadri, Vows To Sponsor His Education

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has met with Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy whose wrongful and prolonged detention sparked public outrage and legal intervention.

In a statement on Friday, Obi expressed gratitude to the legal team and activists who secured Quadri’s release, vowing to personally ensure the young man continues his education.

In his visit with Quadri, Obi described the boy’s resolve to return to school as deeply inspiring.

“Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education, and I will make sure he gets it,” Obi said.

He pledged his commitment to ensuring that Quadri receives not only the education he desires but also the justice he deserves.

Obi also stressed that accountability must follow the boy’s unjust incarceration, insisting that those responsible must face the law.

“As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished,” he stated.

He concluded by reaffirming his vision of a Nigeria rooted in justice, education, and the protection of the vulnerable.

“Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity and justice, care and protection of the less privileged will stand as the foundation of our democracy. A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.

Quadri is a 17-year-old Nigerian who gained national attention during the 2023 general elections when he stood courageously in front of Obi’s campaign convoy, symbolizing youthful support for the LP’s presidential candidate.

This act made him a recognizable figure among Obi’s supporters.

In January 2025, Quadri was arrested by officers from the Amukoko Police Station in Lagos on allegations of armed robbery.

Reports indicate that he was abducted near his home by local individuals who had previously harassed him over donations he received following his viral moment in 2023.

The police allegedly falsified his age as 18 to bypass juvenile protections and grouped him with four adult suspects he did not know.

He was subsequently remanded at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre without trial.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong took up Quadri’s case after it was brought to public attention by activist Hassana Nurudeen.

Effiong described the charges as a “sinister frame-up” and highlighted the lack of evidence linking Quadri to the alleged crime.

The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, advised against prosecuting him, leading Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi to discharge and acquit Quadri on April 17, 2025.