Peter Obi, former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has called for justice following the ongoing detention of 15-year-old Yusuf Alabi. The young boy, widely known for his symbolic act of standing in front of Obi’s convoy during the 2023 election campaign, has been held at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for over three months without trial.
The teenager, named Yusuf Alabi, gained attention last year when he appeared in front of Obi’s convoy during a campaign rally in Lagos. The photograph, shared widely on social media, quickly became a symbol of youth engagement and hope, showing the young boy’s unshakable confidence and his belief in the future of Nigeria. However, his public display of support for Obi has led to his current detention, sparking widespread concern.
Obi took to his official X account on Tuesday night to express his dismay over the boy’s prolonged incarceration. He emphasized the importance of due process and the rule of law, particularly for young people. Obi stated, “I was made aware of the predicament of a young boy named Quadri Yusuf Alabi, who has been detained for over three months without trial, appeared in court for the first time in March, and still remains held in custody.”
The former presidential candidate further noted that he has contacted a lawyer, Barrister Inibehe Effiong, who has been working to secure Alabi’s release. The lawyer has been pushing for justice and the end of what he describes as unlawful detention.
“I sincerely appeal to the police and other agents of the government to always operate within the law and the rules and stop weaponizing citizens, especially our youths, who need our care and love to unleash their talents and energy towards building a new Nigeria that is possible,” Obi added in his post.
Barrister Effiong, the legal representative in the case, has been actively working towards securing a release for Alabi, but the young boy remains incarcerated without trial. His case has drawn attention from citizens, with many questioning the legality of his detention and the treatment of youths expressing political opinions.
