A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to social media activist Ms. Olamide Thomas, who was arrested for allegedly threatening the life of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and other prominent individuals.
Ms. Thomas, detained for 25 days, was arrested on December 13, 2024, in Lagos. She is facing a three-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The prosecution alleged that on October 20, 2024, Ms. Thomas recorded a video on her Facebook page, where she wished death upon Seyi Tinubu, the children of the IGP, and the children of Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The video was reportedly made after Ms. Thomas claimed she was brutalized by police officers during the #EndSARS memorial procession at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.
Following her arrest, she was transferred to the National Cyber-Crime Centre (NCCC) in Abuja before being arraigned in court on December 20. Ms. Thomas pleaded not guilty to the charges of cyberbullying.
Also Read:
- 3 Nigerian Women Freed After 10 Months in Saudi Jail for Drug Trafficking Charges
- Messi Absent from Biden’s Presidential Medal of Freedom
On Monday, January 6, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favor of granting bail to the defendant. The court set the bail amount at N10 million with one surety in the same sum.
Justice Nwite stated that the prosecution had failed to prove that Ms. Thomas posed a flight risk. He also noted that the offences she is charged with are bailable and that there was no evidence to suggest she would interfere with witnesses.
“After examining the affidavit evidence from both sides, the court finds no reason to believe that the defendant would jump bail if released from detention,” Justice Nwite said.
He emphasized that granting bail was in the interest of justice and outlined specific conditions. The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide a three-year tax clearance certificate, and depose to an affidavit of means. Additionally, both the defendant and the surety must submit two recent passport photographs to the court’s Registrar.
The judge stressed the importance of adhering to the conditions and adjourned the case to February 18, 2025, for trial.
The case has drawn public attention due to its connection to high-profile individuals and the ongoing debate over freedom of expression on social media platforms.