Over ₦10m Raised in 4 Days to Relocate Teen Once Celebrated for Peter Obi Convoy Moment

More than ₦10 million has been raised in just four days to support Quadri Alabi, the teenager once celebrated for a viral moment with Peter Obi’s presidential convoy in 2023, who now faces police harassment and false criminal accusations.

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, made the revelation on Monday during a Channels TV interview, where he appeared alongside Alabi to shed light on the teenager’s ordeal.

Alabi, now 17, was arrested earlier this year in the Amukoko area of Lagos and falsely charged with armed robbery, despite no evidence linking him to the crime. Effiong alleged that the police, in collaboration with local area boys, falsified Alabi’s age to 18 in court documents in a bid to remand him as an adult.

“The police claimed he was 18 so they could try him as an adult,” Effiong said. “If they had admitted he was 17, the court proceedings and detention would have taken a different course.”

Alabi, who gained national attention after jumping in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy and raising his hand in a symbolic gesture, became a target of harassment and extortion by local thugs, who demanded he “settle” them with the donations he received after his viral fame.

In January 2025, Alabi was arrested again—this time allegedly framed by known area boys, Leggy and Baba Waris, who handed him over to police officers at the Amukoko Division. According to his mother, they threatened the family after she refused to organize a community feast with the donations her son received.

He was later detained for a full week before being charged alongside four adult strangers. A Lagos magistrate ultimately dismissed the case after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, found no credible evidence against him.

Effiong has since launched a public fundraiser, confirming that over ₦10 million has been raised to relocate Alabi from the area and provide financial support for his mother, a petty trader.

“This case reflects both the worst and best of Nigeria—the abuse of power by corrupt law enforcement, and the incredible generosity and solidarity of everyday Nigerians,” Effiong stated.

Alabi, speaking about his experience, said: “I was just at the entrance of my house when the police came. The area boys had already taken my phone and my money. At the station, I was the youngest. I didn’t know what I had done wrong.”