A 17-year-old boy, Alabi Quadri, received a reprieve on Thursday, having gained attention ahead of the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. A Lagos State Chief Magistrate Court struck out an armed robbery charge filed against him by the police.
Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi released Quadri following the legal advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins.
The magistrate confirmed that the legal advice issued by the DPP indicated there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation of armed robbery against Quadri brought by the police.
In his legal advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri and another defendant, Muiz Animashaun.
Quadri and Animashaun were on 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 session, Quadri’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, commended the DPP for upholding the truth in the case.
He also urged the Commissioner of Police of the 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.
Effiong further demanded the 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’.”
He called on the Nigeria Police Force to compensate his client with N100 million and issue a public apology.
