A productive meeting took place today in Lagos between human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, to discuss the future of Quadri Alabi, a teenager recently acquitted of false armed robbery charges.
The meeting, shared by Effiong on X, highlighted Obi’s commitment to supporting Quadri’s education or training, offering hope for the young Nigerian after a tumultuous legal ordeal.
Quadri Alabi gained national attention in 2023 when a viral photo captured him standing in front of Peter Obi’s convoy during the Labour Party’s campaign in Lagos. The iconic moment, photographed by Esther Umoh, symbolized the youth-driven “Obidient” movement supporting Obi’s candidacy. However, Quadri’s fame took a dark turn in January 2025 when he was allegedly abducted by hoodlums, reportedly upset over not receiving a share of gifts Quadri received post-fame. The Nigerian police subsequently charged him with armed robbery, leading to his detention at Kirikiri Prison alongside adult inmates, despite being a minor.
Effiong, a well-known advocate for justice and legal adviser to the African Action Congress, visited Quadri in prison and described the charges as a “malicious vendetta.” On April 17, 2025, a Lagos court discharged and acquitted Quadri, citing a lack of substantial evidence linking him to the alleged crime, as reported by New Central. The acquittal marked the end of a months-long legal battle that had sparked widespread concern among Nigerians.
Today’s meeting, held a day after Quadri’s release, underscored a collaborative effort to secure a brighter future for the teenager. Photos shared by Effiong on X showed the group standing together in a garden setting, with Quadri. Obi, known for his frugal leadership and focus on education during his tenure as Anambra State governor, pledged to ensure Quadri receives the necessary training or education to rebuild his life.
Effiong’s advocacy in this case aligns with his broader track record of challenging injustices. The lawyer has previously taken on high-profile cases, including lawsuits against the Nigerian government over the 2021 Twitter ban and the National Broadcasting Commission’s hate speech fines. His own imprisonment for contempt in 2022 had drawn national outcry, with 26 civil society organizations petitioning the United Nations for his release.
Quadri’s story, from viral fame to wrongful imprisonment and now a path toward education, has reignited discussions on justice, youth empowerment, and the role of compassionate leadership in Nigeria.
