Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young Nigerian who won hearts in 2023 for bravely standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has revealed the harrowing ordeal he suffered afterward — one that led him from national fame to a nightmare inside Kirikiri Prison.
In a deeply emotional interview aired on Channels Television, Quadri opened up about how that viral moment of courage brought not just praise, but jealousy, betrayal, and unimaginable suffering.
“My Daily Job in Prison Was to Clean Faeces”
After his viral appearance, Quadri said he became a target in his neighborhood. Jealousy and threats from local thugs escalated into a false accusation that led to his arrest and imprisonment.
“My job in prison from morning to night was to clean faeces,” he said, his voice filled with pain. “I didn’t have money to give the wardens, so they left me in that condition. That was my daily punishment.”
The Turning Point: Envy After Going Viral
According to Quadri, after the 2023 campaign event, some members of his community began demanding a share of the money they assumed he had received from Peter Obi.
“They told my mum to share the money Obi gave me,” he said. “They threatened to kidnap me if we didn’t.”
His mother stood firm.
“She said, ‘If my son had died that day, would you be asking for money?’”
But their stand came at a cost. Not long after, Quadri was handed over to police by the same individuals, accused of armed robbery and conspiracy.
Wrongly Accused, Wrongfully Imprisoned
“I had just returned from Port Harcourt where I worked as a motor boy delivering fish. I didn’t know a fight had broken out on our street,” Quadri explained.
“As I got there, ‘area boys’ grabbed me and pointed me out to the police.”
What followed was a week-long detention at the Amukoko Police Station, and then transfer to Kirikiri Prison.
“They accused me of destroying property and stealing phones. I didn’t even know what had happened.”
Life Inside Kirikiri: “I Was In Hell”
In prison, Quadri was locked up with four elderly men he didn’t know. He faced constant humiliation and dehumanisation.
“Because I had no money for the wardens, I was made to clean toilets every day. It was hell.”
Gratitude to Nigerians and a New Beginning
Despite his traumatic experience, Quadri remains grateful.
“I want to thank Nigerians. God will bless them. People that are blessing me, God will not forget them.”
Now free and back home, he says he’s focused on starting afresh.
“I’m ready to go back to school. I want to become a better person. I want to leave the area because people already know me.”
