Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong to step in and assist a young boy, Yusuf Alabi, who is currently being held at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos.
Alabi gained national attention during the 2023 general elections when a photo of him standing boldly in front of Obi’s campaign convoy went viral, symbolizing hope and defiance. However, recent reports allege that he was arrested by local individuals in his area while returning from work and handed over to the police on allegations of theft and street fighting.
Eyewitnesses and some of Obi’s supporters have since questioned the validity of these accusations, suggesting the charges may be unfounded.
Reacting to the matter on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, via his official 𝕏 account, Obi expressed concern over the boy’s prolonged detention without trial and urged law enforcement agencies to act within the bounds of justice and the law.
He wrote, “After delivering my speech at the Commonwealth event in London today, I was made aware of the predicament of a young boy named Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who has been detained for over three months without trial, appeared in court for the first time in March, and still remains held in custody.
“I have contacted a lawyer, Barrister Inibehe Effiong @InibeheEffiong, who, luckily, has been actively working to intensify his release.
“I sincerely appeal to the police and other agents of the government to always operate within the law and the rules and stop the weaponizing citizens, especially our youths, who need our care and love to unleash their talents and energy towards building a new Nigeria that is possible.”
