Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has demanded ₦100 million in compensation for 17-year-old Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who was recently discharged of armed robbery allegations after being wrongfully detained.
Quadri, a supporter of Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was released on Thursday following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, who found no evidence linking him to the alleged crime.
In a statement issued after the court’s decision, Effiong expressed satisfaction with the outcome, commending the DPP for his commitment to justice. He explained that during the court proceedings, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi confirmed the DPP’s recommendation for non-prosecution, stating that the allegations against the teenager were baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence.
“At the hearing, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi confirmed that the legal opinion provided by the Lagos State DPP revealed no evidence to support the armed robbery accusation against Quadri. On that basis, the court ordered his discharge, bringing an end to this gross injustice,” Effiong said.
He further condemned the actions of officers at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters, accusing them of orchestrating a false case against the teenager based on pressure from rogue elements in the area.
Effiong called for immediate disciplinary action against all officers involved in the arrest and detention, naming specifically the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Inspector Odigbe Samuel, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO). He insisted they be subjected to an orderly room trial for their role in what he described as a “sinister and corrupt scheme.”
“We demand that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police act swiftly by removing the DPO of Amukoko Division and placing both him and Inspector Odigbe Samuel under internal disciplinary procedures for their involvement in this oppressive setup,” he said.
Beyond disciplinary measures, Effiong is also demanding a public apology and monetary compensation of ₦100 million from the Nigeria Police Force to Quadri as restitution for the emotional and psychological trauma he endured.
“If these three demands, the dismissal and trial of the officers, public apology, and compensation are not met immediately, we will not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings to hold the Police accountable,” he warned.
Effiong added that Quadri’s ordeal highlights a deeper, systemic problem within the Nigerian policing and justice system, where many young Nigerians suffer similar fates due to abuse of power and unchecked corruption.
“Quadri’s story is just one of many. There are countless others languishing in detention, victims of false accusations, brutality, and an unjust system. This is a reflection of the deep-rooted decay in our policing and judicial institutions,” he concluded.
