Boy in Viral Peter Obi Convoy Photo Now in Kirikiri Prison Over Theft Allegation

The young boy who captured national attention during the 2023 general elections by boldly standing in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy is currently being held at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over allegations of stealing and fighting.

According to reports, the boy—who had been widely celebrated after the viral image—was allegedly apprehended by some individuals in his neighborhood while returning from work and handed over to the police. He is currently facing charges at the Orege Court in Ajegunle.

An X user, Nurudeen Hassana (@Hausa_girl), who has been following the case, said she accompanied the boy’s mother to his court hearing on March 27, 2025, where the case was adjourned to April 28. Hassana disclosed that the case file is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the court is awaiting legal advice on the matter.

“He was coming back from work the day some guys in the street apprehended him and took him to the police station. They told the police he was part of a group stealing and fighting in the area, which isn’t true,” she posted.

She added that the boy has become a victim of public expectation following the monetary gifts he received during the election season. “He’s suffering from the entitlement people had when he was gifted money during the last election. The boy is innocent… he’s just a victim!”

In a more recent update, Hassana confirmed that human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, had taken interest in the matter and was making arrangements to visit the boy along with his mother on Thursday to get a full briefing.

Meanwhile, prominent activist Omoyele Sowore also weighed in on the case, calling for immediate intervention to secure the boy’s release.

“Given the boy’s apparent innocence, immediate rescue efforts are necessary to remove him from prison,” Sowore posted on X. “If anyone has access to his lawyers or family, kindly notify us at your earliest convenience.”

The boy’s sudden fall from being a symbol of hope to becoming an inmate has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for justice and support for his release.