By Okechukwu Nwanguma
RULAAC is profoundly outraged about the case of Quadri Alabi, the young man wrongfully accused and unjustly incarcerated due to systemic failures within the Nigerian police force.
The unjust treatment that Quadri suffered at the hands of police officers at the Amukoko Division, Lagos State Command, reflects a disturbing pattern of law enforcement failure in our country.
His wrongful arrest and subsequent detention for a crime he did not commit are not only a violation of his human rights but also a tragic example of how the justice system can fail the very citizens it is meant to protect.
The recent statements by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, defending the clear misconduct by personnel under his authority highlights a troubling culture of impunity and an alarming disregard for justice in our law enforcement agencies.
From close observations and firsthand accounts of Quadri’s ordeal, it is evident that he has become a victim of a corrupt system that frequently misuses power without evidence or due process. His case epitomises the broader issues plaguing law enforcement in Nigeria—arbitrary arrests, wrongful detentions, and a lack of accountability.
On February 21-22, 2025, at the Southeast Stakeholders Summit on Peace and Security, the urgent need for reform in the police force to protect the innocent and uphold justice was discussed. Quadri’s tragic experience underscores the importance of this dialogue, as he was framed for armed robbery by local touts seeking extortion.
The police’s failure to conduct a thorough investigation has resulted in Quadri’s wrongful commitment to Kirikiri Correctional Centre, where he was subjected to dehumanising treatment. His eventual release, facilitated by legal interventions and public outcry, reveals the urgent need for systemic change to prevent such injustices in the future.
Commissioner Moshood’s claims regarding Quadri’s age and the nature of his arrest raise further questions. His insistence that a birth certificate must be verified while neglecting to inquire further from Quadri’s mother exemplifies the police’s shoddy investigative practices. It’s unacceptable that the police would adhere to their narratives over credible evidence simply to safeguard their reputations.
Moreover, the implications of Moshood’s statements regarding Quadri’s association with Peter Obi are concerning. This raises concerns about the politicisation of law enforcement and the dangers facing those who find themselves entangled in political controversies, regardless of their innocence.
The police service commission must conduct a thorough investigation into this matter, holding accountable those responsible for Quadri’s wrongful detention, particularly the officers at the Amukoko Divisional Headquarters.
We echo the calls for the removal of CSP Ismaila Olaniyi and Inspector Odigbe Samuel from their positions for their involvement in framing an innocent teen. Furthermore, we urge the PSC to ensure that Quadri receives a public apology, along with the compensation he rightfully deserves from the police for the trauma he endured. This case illustrates a broader issue of abuse of power within the police force, and immediate measures must be taken to address this culture of impunity to restore public trust in law enforcement.
We specifically call for the following urgent actions to address this grave injustice:
- There’s a need for immediate accountability, in particular, the removal of the DPO of Amukoko and the Investigating Police Officer, along with an investigation into their misconduct in this case.
- We end the call for a public apology. The Nigerian police must publicly acknowledge their mistakes and the suffering inflicted on Quadri Alabi.
- We also align with Quadri’s lawyers in their call for compensation for the unwarranted suffering he endured for a crime he did not commit.
- This case once again highlights the urgency of a comprehensive police reform. We reiterate the call for a thorough review and overhaul of police procedures to ensure accountability, integrity, and a commitment to protecting human rights.
The case of Quadri Alabi should catalyse change, reminding us that the fight for justice is far from over. We must ensure that no other individual suffers as he did and that our systems are held accountable for protecting the rights of every citizen.
We trust that the Police Service Commission will pay urgent attention to this critical matter.
Okechukwu Nwanguma
Executive Director
RULAAC
