The Lagos State Police Command has debunked claims that Quadri Alabi, the teenage supporter of Peter Obi who went viral during the 2023 elections, was apprehended by hoodlums and handed over to the police.
Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, made this clarification during an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Tuesday. The claim had been made by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who represents Alabi.
Effiong, during a Monday interview on the same programme, alleged that Alabi was falsely accused of engaging in a street fight and was taken to the Amukoko Police Station by local hoodlums.
According to Effiong, “Quadri was almost home when two area boys began taunting him. They said he didn’t share any money from Peter Obi and dragged him to the police station.”
He claimed that the mother of the teenager confronted one of the boys, who allegedly admitted that they handed her son over to police out of spite.
However, CP Moshood countered this narrative, saying the arrest was made directly by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko Police Station following a distress call.
“From our records, the DPO received reports of individuals vandalising public property and attacking people. It was based on that intelligence that arrests were made. Quadri was arrested along with five others,” the Commissioner said.
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Responding to Effiong’s demand for a public apology, CP Moshood said no apology would be issued until internal investigations are concluded.
“Why should I apologise when the investigation isn’t concluded? The police are committed to the safety and rights of every Nigerian,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Apapa Magistrates’ Court on April 17 discharged Quadri Alabi following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins.
The DPP stated there was no evidence to substantiate the allegations of armed robbery brought against Alabi and another defendant, Muiz Animashaun. The two had been standing trial alongside three others.
The case has sparked renewed calls from civil rights groups for better protection of youth and an end to arbitrary arrests. Alabi gained public attention last year when he boldly stood before the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during a campaign rally in Lagos.