Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters, alongside other police officers, for what he describes as the “devilish act” of framing a 17-year-old teenager, Alabi Quadri, for armed robbery.
In a video posted by Channels Television, obtained after court proceedings, Effiong said: “The DPO of Amukoko must be removed immediately, and even the IPO and other officers who were involved in this very devilish act of framing up a minor for armed robbery must be made to face trial.”
The case of Quadri, who rose to internet fame during the 2023 elections after a viral photo showed him jumping in front of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has drawn national attention once again—this time for his wrongful arrest.
According to Effiong, Quadri became a target in his community after receiving donations from well-meaning Nigerians. Community members, particularly some self-styled “area boys”, allegedly felt entitled to the donations and demanded that Quadri’s family cook rice and buy a cow to appease them. When the family refused, the young boy became a victim of persistent harassment and wrongful arrests.
Effiong revealed that Quadri was first arrested by local youths and taken to the police under false allegations of street fighting. However, when he was brought before the court on January 27th, it was suddenly claimed that he was wanted for armed robbery. The family, shocked by the development, reached out for legal assistance, and Effiong took up the case.
“There was no basis for his arrest. The court today confirmed that Quadri had no case to answer. He is not involved in armed robbery or any other offence,” Effiong declared after the court discharged and released the teenager.
He also demanded that the Nigerian Police Force issue a public apology and pay ₦100 million in compensation for the unlawful detention since January 2024.
But the lawyer didn’t stop there. He named two individuals, “Lege” and “Baba Waris”, as the area boys who instigated the arrest and demanded their immediate prosecution. “They are known and identifiable. We call for their arrest, and we want the traditional ruler, referred to locally as the Baale, to be questioned for his role in this matter,” he added.
Effiong concluded by warning that Quadri and his family remain under threat and may need to be relocated for their safety. “They were threatened again this morning before coming to court,” he said. “We won’t rest until justice is done.
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