By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has expressed deep commitment to the welfare and education of Quadri Yusuf Alabi, a young Nigerian whose wrongful incarceration recently sparked national outcry.
In a statement released today, Obi revealed that he met with Quadri, who has now been freed thanks to the efforts of prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and his legal team. Activists Dele Farotimi and Ms. Hassana Nurudeen also played key roles in securing his release.
“Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy whose story moved us all. After enduring unjust and illegal incarceration, he is finally free,” Obi said. “I am very grateful to the lawyers led by @inibeheeffiong, and also @DeleFarotim and Ms. Hassana Nurudeen, whose constant intervention was instrumental in securing justice for the young lad.”
Obi described Quadri’s resilience as deeply moving, particularly highlighting the boy’s unwavering desire to continue his education despite the traumatic ordeal.
“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,” Obi affirmed. “His determination is not just inspiring; it is a call to action.”
Obi also emphasized that securing Quadri’s freedom is just the beginning. He called for accountability for those responsible for the young man’s unlawful detention, insisting that justice must be served.
“In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for his illegal incarceration must be held accountable,” Obi stated. “As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished.”
Reiterating his broader vision for a reformed Nigeria, Obi concluded by saying: “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. A new Nigeria is possible.”
The story of Quadri Yusuf Alabi has come to symbolize the struggles many young Nigerians face in a justice system often marred by systemic abuse and neglect. With public figures like Obi taking a stand, many hope that cases like Quadri’s will become turning points in the pursuit of a more just society.