A Lagos State Chief Magistrate Court on Thursday struck out an armed robbery charge filed against 17-year-old boy, Alabi Quadri, who gained attention ahead of the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
The Magistrate, Adetola Olorunfemi freed Quadri following the legal advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins.
Olorunfemi confirmed that the legal advice by the DPP indicated that there was no evidence to substantiate allegation of armed robbery against Quadri as filed by the police.
In his legal advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri and another defendant, Muiz Animashaun.
Quadri and Animashaun were standing trial alongside three others for armed robbery.
However, the DPP advised that a prima facie case had been established against the three remaining defendants, who should proceed to trial.
In an interview with journalists after the court sitting, Quadri’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, commended the DPP for upholding the truth in the case.
He also urged the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command and the Inspector General of Police to urgently remove the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and subject him to an orderly room trial.
He also demanded discipline of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and other officers involved in what he described as a “sinister, oppressive and corrupt scheme to frame a teenager for armed robbery at the behest of rogue ‘Area Boys.'”
Effiong further demanded that the Nigeria Police Force pay his client the sum of N100 million as compensation and issue a public apology.
