- Olamide Thomas faces three charges after alleged social media insults aimed at Seyi Tinubu and top police officials.
The Nigerian police have arraigned Olamide Abiodun Thomas, a human rights activist, on three criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges stem from allegations that Thomas insulted President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, and top police officials, including Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.
The case, designated suit number F/HE/ARS/CR/636/2024, identifies the Inspector General of Police as the complainant. During Friday’s proceedings, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered Thomas to be remanded in prison. She has been in police custody since her arrest last week.
The Charges Against Thomas
The first charge alleges that Thomas posted a video in which she made threatening remarks in Yoruba, stating that Seyi Tinubu would die in the year and that misfortune had befallen the Tinubu family. This, according to the prosecution, placed Seyi Tinubu in fear of death or bodily harm, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The second charge involves similar accusations, where Thomas allegedly transmitted threatening remarks against IGP Egbetokun via a social media video. The final charge relates to insulting Adejobi.
Court Proceedings and Bail Denial
Following the arraignment, Justice Nwite remanded Thomas to the Suleja Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Her legal team made an oral application for bail, which was rejected. Justice Nwite stated that a formal bail application would need to be submitted before any decision on bail could be made.
Activist Reactions
The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned Thomas’s ongoing detention and demanded her immediate release. The case has sparked protests from human rights groups who view her arrest as part of a broader pattern of repression.
