Eric Patrick
An X user, identified as #Hausa_girl has disclosed the current whereabouts of the young Nigerian boy (Name Unknown), who went viral during the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to the post on X, the boy is currently languishing in the Kirikiri Prison, in Lagos State.
#Hausa_girl wrote, “Do you guys remember this picture? Well, the boy standing in front of this convoy is currently languishing in Kirikiri Prison.”
Reports had it that the boy was returning from work when he was apprehended by a group of individuals in his neighborhood and taken to the police station.
Other X users claimed that the boy was accused of being involved in theft and street fighting.
The post indicated that the boy is also facing charges of stealing and public fighting.
Hausa_girl added, “Jonathan told us about the young boy. I’ve spoken with his mother, and we also attended his last court hearing at Orege Court in Ajegunle on the 27th of March. The case was adjourned until the 28th of this month. I don’t chase clout with people’s lives!”
The case file is currently with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the court is awaiting legal advice on how to proceed.
Many people claimed the boy is innocent and is suffering from the public perception that he was entitled after receiving financial gifts during the 2023 election season.
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“He’s just a victim,” a commentator said. “He knows the names of all the individuals who took him to the police station — even the one who stole his phone.”
“Good morning all, So we’re talking to #InibeheEffiong about this case and we’ll be seeing him on Thursday alongside the boy’s mother, then proceed to the correctional center where he’s being held to get the full brief from the boy. I’ll keep updating you all,” she added.
Reacting to the incident, a Nigerian human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has called for the immediate rescue of the boy.
Sowore on Tuesday, took to his X handle to tell Nigerians that if anyone has access to the boy’s family should notify him.
“If anyone had access to his lawyers or family, they should kindly notify me at your earliest convenience,” he wrote.
“Given the boy’s apparent innocence, immediate rescue efforts are necessary to remove him from prison; if anyone has access to his lawyers and family, kindly notify us at your earliest convenience.”
However, First News correspondent is yet to verify the authenticity of these claims.
