Lawyer Demands ₦100m From Police Over Detention Of Minor
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, has called on the Nigerian Police Force to pay ₦100 million in compensation to 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, who was recently released after months of wrongful detention.
Quadri gained public attention ahead of the 2023 general elections after a video of him standing in front of the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, went viral. He was later arrested and detained on charges of armed robbery—an allegation his family consistently denied.
On Thursday, Quadri was freed by Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi, following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, who found no basis for the charges.
Addressing journalists after the ruling in the Apapa area of Lagos, Effiong praised the DPP for upholding justice in the case. He, however, demanded accountability from the police, calling on the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Inspector General to urgently remove the Divisional Police Officer of the Amukoko Division.
He also urged that the DPO, along with the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and other officers involved, be subjected to an orderly room trial.
Effiong described the incident as an “evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme” to frame a teenager at the behest of rogue ‘Area Boys.’
He further demanded a public apology from the police to his client, warning that if the compensation, disciplinary action, and apology are not promptly provided, he and his legal team will initiate legal proceedings to seek redress.
“This case represents a painful example of the deep-rooted corruption, rampant impunity, and widespread injustice within the Nigeria Police Force,” Effiong said. “There are many Quadris languishing in detention centers across Nigeria due to the unchecked criminality, lawlessness, and lack of accountability within the police and the failures of the justice system. History will vindicate the just.”
