Court Discharges Quadri, Youth Who Blocked Obi’s Presidential Convoy In Lagos
•By Admin
ABUJA – After several months of imprisonment, an Apapa Magistrate Court, Court 9 sitting at Orege, Ajegunle – Sikiru Adagun Courthouse, on Thursday, discharged and acquitted Alabi Quadri, the young “Obidient” who courageously stood in front of the the Presidential campaign convoy of Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) in 2023.
Quadri who was charged with fighting and stealing, made his first court appearance on March 27, with the next hearing fixed for April 28.
Eye witnesses reported that Quadri was on his way home from work when he was taken by some people in his neighborhood and handed over to the police. They accused him of theft and constituting nuisance in the streets.
Peter Obi, through the Obidient Movement, had visited Quadir at the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre in Apapa, Lagos.
During the visit, Obi connected with Qudri’s mother and sister, and promised a solidarity with the family. He expressed unwavering support for his family.
Finally, the accused has been discharged and acquitted of conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery.
The court held that the accused has no case to answer.
Quadri was brought to court on Thursday, April 17, 2025, after spending several months in Kirikiri correctional center in Lagos.
The Nigerian Correctional Service produced Quadri at the Apapa Magistrate Court, located at Orege, Ajegunle—Sikiru Adagun Courthouse (Court No. 9).
Quadri’s case was initially slated for a hearing on April 28, 2025.
Effiong had revealed that both he and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested that the date be moved forward, and the court granted the application.
Giving an account of the genesis of Quadri’s ordeal, Effiong revealed that it was not due to any major crime but rather a result of prolonged malice and resentment harboured by some self-acclaimed ‘area boys’ (thugs) in his neighbourhood.
According to the lawyer, these individuals felt entitled to a portion of the unexpected attention and goodwill, including financial support, that Alabi received following his moment in the spotlight during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Effiong, who recently visited the Apapa Magisterial Court in Lagos alongside Alabi’s mother and legal colleagues, stated that Alabi’s journey to Kirikiri prison was very heartbreaking. He opined that Alabi appeared to be the outcome of a vendetta fuelled by local ‘area boys’ who felt entitled to the financial support Alabi received after his viral moment.
Effiong also said that Alabi was abducted in January near his home while returning from work by the ‘area boys’ who had been threatening him for sometime.
They allegedly took him to Amukoko Police Station (popularly known as Pako Police Station) and accused him of being involved in street fights and forms of criminality.
Alabi was then arraigned before a Magistrate Court along with four other individuals, said to be complete strangers to him on allegations of conspiracy to commit armed robbery with cutlasses.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged victims were robbed of N579,000, comprising cash and four mobile phones.
Effiong also emphasized that despite being a minor, Alabi had been detained with adults at Kirikiri Correctional center. This happened so long a time in the guise of waiting for legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). It’s freedom day for Alabi. However, one can’t say if he truly has gotten justice.
•INDEPENDENTNG.