Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Human rights activists have raised alarm over the unfair detention of one Yusuf Alabi, the kid who made headlines in 2023 when he was photographed in front of Peter Obi’s vehicle during the Labour Party Presidential campaign in Lagos.
The activists led by one Dr Penking took to the X (formerly Twitter) platform to raise awareness of the plight of Yusuf.
According to him, Yusuf is reportedly languishing in prison for a crime he did not commit.
He lamented that the boy has been in Kirikiri prison for months on trumped up charges.
According to him, “Yusuf Alabi was on his way home from work when out of no-where, some area boys stopped him, collected his phone and handed him to the police.”
They allegedly lied to the police that Yusuf was among the thieves in the area and a notorious fighter.
The police were said to have collected the phone and detained the minor.
Dr Penking in the post maintains that the boy is innocent and just a victim of anger from the area boys.
“He fully recognized all the area boys who handed him over to police.
“In summary, the area boys are furious that his parents didn’t “settle” them, from all the cash gifts Yusuf Alabi got after meeting Peter Obi and Cubana Chief Priest in 2023.
According to Dr Penking, Yusuf made first court appearance last month, March 27 and will appear against on the next adjoined date of April 28 to answer to charges bordering on fighting and stealing.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, Wednesday confirmed Yusuf Alabi’s ordeals disclosing that he was already intervening in the matter to secure the release of the kid.
“We are in the court this morning to address administrative issues that need to be resolved to enable us take swift and the appropriate legal measures towards securing the freedom of Quadri Yusuf Alabi.
“We will issue an elaborate statement in the coming hours.
“History will vindicate the just,” the activist lawyer said.
