In 2023, a powerful photo from one of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign rallies swept through social media — a young boy, hands raised in admiration, eyes filled with hope. That boy was Yusuf Alabi Quadri, and he became a symbol of Nigeria’s youth dreaming of change.
But behind the viral fame was a heartbreaking twist no one saw coming.
Months after the world celebrated Yusuf, he was arrested and thrown into Kirikiri Prison — one of Nigeria’s most notorious correctional facilities. His crime? Absolutely nothing, according to reports from human rights group Ray of Hopes.
Yusuf was reportedly on his way home from work when a group of area boys stopped him, confiscated his phone, and accused him of being a known street fighter and thief. The police were called, and without investigation, Yusuf was taken into custody. Even more shocking — officers allegedly falsified his age to justify keeping the minor in adult detention.
So why was he targeted?
Sources say the area boys were angry that Yusuf’s parents didn’t “settle” them with part of the financial gifts he received after going viral. In a move of envy and revenge, they handed him over to the police on trumped-up charges.
He remained behind bars for months. His first court appearance was held on March 27, and a follow-up was scheduled for April 28. But today, in a bittersweet victory, Yusuf has finally regained his freedom.
His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, is now demanding:
- ₦100 million in damages from the Nigerian Police.
- Immediate dismissal of the DPO of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters in Lagos state, the IPO Inspector Odigbo Samuel and others involved in the sinister plot against the young boy.
- A public apology to Yusuf and his family.
Otherwise, legal action will follow.
This case is more than one boy’s tragedy — it’s a reflection of a broken system where envy, abuse of power, and a lack of due process can ruin young lives. Thankfully, Yusuf Alabi Quadri is free — but the fight for justice is just beginning.
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