Daily Justice

Lagos Police Accused of Fabricating Charges Against Teen, Spreading Falsehoods

LAGOS, 19 April 2025 – Human rights barrister Inibehe Effiong has accused the Lagos State Police Command of spreading "fake news" and fabricating charges against 17-year-old Quadri Alabi in an attempt to cover up what he describes as an "atrocious frame-up." In a strongly worded statement issued on 19 April 2025, Effiong condemned the police for their "reckless and irresponsible" actions, alleging that they falsely claimed Alabi was involved in street fighting, robbery, and property damage.

Effiong, representing Alabi, stated that the teenager was abducted by two individuals, identified as Lege and Baba Waris, while returning home from work. These individuals, described as "Area Boys," allegedly handed Alabi over to the Amukoko Divisional Police Station. The barrister claims that the same group has been harassing Alabi since 2023, attempting to extort money from donations he received after a public appearance in front of Mr Peter Obi’s convoy.

The Lagos State Police Command, in a statement Effiong described as "laughable" and "ridiculous," claimed Alabi, whom they incorrectly stated was 18, was arrested following a street fight in which properties were damaged and individuals were robbed. The police further alleged that Alabi was identified by community members and victims. Effiong refuted these claims, asserting that Alabi, born on 29 September 2007, is only 17, as confirmed by his birth certificate. He also stated that no identification parade was conducted, as required by law, to link Alabi to the alleged crimes, which were said to have occurred at 10 p.m.

Effiong raised several concerns about the police’s narrative, noting their failure to specify who arrested Alabi, where the arrest took place, or how he was connected to four adult co-detainees, whom Alabi reportedly did not know. He further alleged that Alabi was detained for approximately a week before being unlawfully brought before a magistrate for remand, in violation of constitutional limits on detention. Effiong argued that a subsequent remand order could not rectify this infringement.

Despite a Legal Advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Lagos State exonerating Alabi, and his subsequent discharge by a court, the Lagos State Police Command has shown no remorse, Effiong said. Instead, they have doubled down on what he called "acts of perfidy, shamelessness, lawlessness, and utter contempt for justice and the truth."

Effiong announced plans to seek legal redress and compensation for Alabi, naming the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko, CSP Olaniran Ismaila, and the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, among others. A formal complaint will also be lodged with the Police Service Commission against the Amukoko DPO.

"By taking this path, the Nigeria Police Force is reminding the country that it is very far from redemption," Effiong stated, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. "Nigeria is our country, we will not allow agents of impunity to get away with such abominable oppression of a Nigerian child."

The case has sparked outrage, with Effiong’s statement drawing attention to broader concerns about police misconduct and the treatment of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.