A young boy who became a symbol of bravery during the 2023 general elections is now facing imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos, sparking widespread outrage and raising concerns about his treatment within the justice system.
The boy, whose identity is being protected due to his age and ongoing legal proceedings, gained national attention when he stood in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. However, he is now reportedly facing charges of theft and public fighting. Eyewitnesses and social media users have raised concerns that the charges may be linked to his rise to fame during the election season.
Supporters argue that the boy is a victim of circumstances. One social media user remarked, “The people who took him to the police station are known to him, including the person who stole his phone.”
According to reports, the boy was apprehended by individuals in his neighborhood while returning from work, a situation his supporters believe reflects a larger pattern of public resentment.
Prominent activist and social media influencer @Hausagirl has been vocal in raising awareness about the case, reminding her followers of the iconic photo of the boy standing in front of Peter Obi’s convoy. “The boy standing in front of this convoy is currently in Kirikiri Prison,” she tweeted, calling for legal support. Efforts to secure proper legal representation for the boy are currently underway, with @Hausagirl sharing her involvement and stating, “We’re speaking to @InibeheEffiong and will be meeting with him and the boy’s mother this Thursday.”
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has also joined the growing calls for intervention, demanding the boy’s immediate release. “The boy appears innocent, and his continued imprisonment is an injustice that needs to be addressed immediately,” Sowore said in a post on X.
However, some social media users have expressed skepticism about the situation. @Balogun Ridwan questioned the seriousness of the issue, replying, “Are you serious, or is this just a joke?”
Others, such as @seanpepisky, voiced their frustration at the public’s tendency to exploit such cases for clout. “It honestly blows my mind how so many people in this country think we’re here to exploit someone’s life or situation for clout. Just because you have the luxury of freedom doesn’t mean everyone else does,” they wrote.
The case has garnered widespread support, with many condemning the justice system’s treatment of the young boy. Activists are working tirelessly to ensure the boy receives a fair trial and is released from custody. As the situation continues to unfold, the public remains divided, yet united in the call for justice and transparency in the case.
