Lawyer Demands ₦100M Compensation for Teen Acquitted of Armed Robbery

Following the recent acquittal of 17-year-old Quadri Yusuf Alabi on an armed robbery charge, his legal counsel, Barrister Effiong Inibehe, has issued a strong demand for justice, seeking ₦100 million in compensation and disciplinary action against police officers involved in the case. The teenager’s release on Thursday marked the end of a troubling legal saga that has spotlighted deep concerns about systemic flaws within Nigeria’s law enforcement structure.

Quadri, a known supporter of Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was discharged by Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi after the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, recommended non-prosecution. The DPP’s legal advice revealed there was no evidence to support the grave allegation of armed robbery.

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Compensation Demand Follows Acquittal of Quadri Yusuf

In a statement made shortly after the court ruling, Inibehe praised the DPP for upholding justice. “We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter,” he stated. He emphasized that the legal system, despite its flaws, worked in favor of justice in this particular case.

However, the counsel did not stop at celebration. Inibehe issued a stern call to action, demanding accountability from the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, officers from the Amukoko Divisional Headquarters, particularly the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and one Inspector Odigbe Samuel, were central to the alleged frame-up of the teenager. He claimed Quadri was wrongfully accused at the behest of local thugs—referred to as “Area Boys.”

He demanded three key actions from the authorities: immediate removal and internal disciplinary trial for the officers involved, a public apology from the police, and a financial compensation of ₦100 million for Quadri’s unjust ordeal.

“Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force,” Inibehe asserted. He warned that failure to meet these demands would lead to legal proceedings aimed at securing redress for his client.

The case has ignited public discourse on the treatment of youths by law enforcement and the prevalence of false accusations, especially in urban communities. Legal experts and human rights advocates have echoed calls for an overhaul of police accountability systems.

While the Nigeria Police Force has yet to respond publicly to the accusations or the compensation demand, pressure is mounting for an internal review. As Inibehe pointed out, Quadri’s story may represent just one of many involving young Nigerians suffering behind bars due to police misconduct and weak judicial safeguards.