Police Make U-turn On Obi’s ‘Poster Boy’ Insist On His Arraignment In Court

Jimoh Moshood, the Lagos State Police Commissioner has disclosed that Quadri Alabi, the boy who became famous after standing in front of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s convoy has not been totally left of the hook.

The state police boss made the remark on Tuesday while speaking on Channels Television programme Morning Brief, few days after a magistrate court released Alabi, based on the advise of the state’s Department of Public Prosecution, DPP.

Recall that Alabi was released recently following the unrelenting efforts of some human rights lawyers led by Inibehe Effiong, after spending months in prison, for alleged armed robbery, the case drew serious public outrage as not a few condemned the manner the boy, considered to still be a teenager was so treated.

But speaking today, Moshood said the boy’s age remains controversial as investigation is still ongoing to ascertain his real age with the purpose of arraigning him in court.

Recall that Obi had recently promised to send the boy back to school in line with his ambition to become a better person.

Going  by what Moshood said his Alabi’s dream of getting formal education may be shattered, according to well meaning Nigerians who are monitoring the issue.

Moshood said the police in not aware of the DPP’s Advice that discharged or acquitted the boy, saying he will soon be dragged to court where he’s expected to take his ‘plea’ before a judge.

“Police action terminates when a matter is taken to court. The lawyer yesterday mentioned the DPP. For us, we have not seen the DPP advice,” Moshood said.

“We don’t know whether he was directed to be granted bail, whether he was acquitted, or whether he was discharged. We’re going to verify all those things equally to know what is in the DPP advice today.”

He said the court will determine Alabi’s fate.

Moshood: “The trial has not been opened into the matter. The remand process was what we went to the court for, and the court saw reason with us, from the statement of the boy that he’s 18 years old, and he was remanded in a custodial facility, and the matter was supposed to come up for trial.

“So, whatever may have transpired there, the court in its wisdom will invite us or not invite us. It is when we find those out that we will know whether we’re joined in the matter or not.

“ When the arraignment in court starts, the suspect will be brought to court and he’s going to take his plea. So, that has not happened; we will study the DPP advice to know where we’ll proceed.”

While promising to pay for Quardri’s education, Obi had called on the authorities to ensure that those responsible for his illegal incarceration were brought to book.

Obi: “Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education and I will make sure he gets it.

“His determination is not just inspiring, it is a call to action, and I am committed to ensuring that he gets the education he desires and deserves.

“In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for this illegal incarceration must be held accountable. As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished.

“I once again thank the Lawyers and everyone who stood and remained unrelenting for Justice.

“Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity, and justice, care, and protection of the less privileged in our midst will stand as the foundation of our democracy.”