Quadri Alabi, the teenager who went viral during Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign, reveals shocking abuse and forced labour during detention at Kirikiri Correctional Centre

Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who became a symbol of youth activism during the 2023 general election after a viral photo showed him standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has come forward with disturbing allegations of abuse and mistreatment during a stint at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

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Speaking on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Monday, Alabi described a chilling ordeal of harassment, wrongful arrest, and forced labour after the viral image drew national attention.

“Since the viral campaign picture surfaced, it seems like some people have been keeping a close watch on me,” Alabi shared during the live interview. “They threatened my mum and said she wouldn’t see me again if we didn’t give up money they assumed we had received.”

Alabi recounted being arrested near his home after returning from work as a motor boy, unaware of an earlier fight that had broken out in the area. He claimed he was wrongly identified and handed over to police by local area boys who had already robbed him of his phone and cash.

At the police station, he was the youngest detainee and later transferred to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, where he endured harsh conditions.

In Kirikiri, my daily task was to clean up faeces from morning until six in the evening because I couldn’t afford to pay the marshall.” — *Quadri Alabi

“In Kirikiri, my daily task was to clean up faeces from morning until six in the evening because I couldn’t afford to pay the marshall,” he said.

The case has raised serious concerns about the treatment of young Nigerians in detention, the abuse of state power, and the lack of safeguards for vulnerable citizens, especially those unintentionally thrust into the public spotlight.

Human rights advocates have begun calling for an independent investigation and support for Alabi, who has returned to normal life but remains psychologically affected by the experience.

As of press time, neither the Nigerian Correctional Service nor the Lagos State Police Command has issued a formal statement addressing Alabi’s claims.