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By Myke Agunwa
The family of Quadri Alabi, the minor who was detained for months over trumped up charges has appealed for assistance from the public and friends to enable them relocate to a safer location where he (Quadri) can return to school and carry out his daily activities without intimidation or fear.
The family equally announced that they have received about N3m less than two hours after the announcement were made.
Counsel to Quadri and Human Rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong made the disclosure in his verified X handle on Thursday.
A Magistrates’ Court in Apapa freed the 17-year-old minor, Quadri, who went viral ahead of the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of a former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi freed him following the legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins.
Quadri who has been traumantised following several months of incarceration, feels a deep sense of fear and rejection in his community, where envy and resentment now overshadow acceptance. Once familiar faces have turned hostile, viewing his rise to fame as a threat.
He walks in shadows, burdened by isolation, dreading the place that should have offered him peace.
In an attempt to provide Quadri an environment where he can live his potentials to the full, his counsel after series of meetings with the family agreed to solicit for help from well-meaning Nigerians, the Obidient family and the public to enable them move the family to a safer location.
“Following my discussion with the family of Quadri Alabi and at their request, I hereby appeal to all conscientious organizations, individuals, and corporate entities to offer immediate financial assistance to Quadri to enable him and his family relocate from their present community and home.
“Amukoko is no longer safe for them, those behind his travails can easily target him or his family members again.
“This appeal has become imperative due to active threats to Quadri and his family. As at this morning, they still received threats” Effiong wrote.
He went further to narrate that upon the release of Quadri at the court, it became apparent that it is no longer safe for them to return to their home. Due to the urgency and severity of the situation, a place was paid for them in a hotel which location was not disclosed for safety reasons until the family receives enough funds to rent a house.
He equally stated that “Quadri’s mother who is a ‘petty trader’, has also pleaded with Nigerians to assist her financially to enable her cater for herself and her children. Her husband (Quadri’s father) is deceased.
“Finally, we need to rehabilitate Quadri for him to be useful to himself and the society. He has expressed a desire to go to school. He is also open to acquiring a skill”.
He appealed to the public to send their support to the account details below: Account No: 0092695127, Bank: Sterling Bank, Account Name: Quadri Yusuf Alabi.