A woman named Olamide Thomas appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.
The Inspector General’s legal team charged Olamide with three counts, alleging she used her social media platforms to make threatening and harassing statements. She pleaded not guilty to all charges before Justice Emeka Nwite.
According to court documents, Olamide allegedly posted a video in Yoruba language in 2024, stating that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “would die this year” and that misfortune had struck the Tinubu family. Prosecutors claimed the video was intended to “bully, threaten, and harass” Seyi Tinubu, leaving him in fear of harm.
In a second charge, Olamide was accused of targeting Inspector General Egbetokun in another video, which allegedly put him in fear of death or bodily harm.
The third charge focused on threats made to Muyiwa Adejobi. In her video, Olamide allegedly stated that Adejobi’s children “would all die before his eyes,” and that he would “bury all his children in a single day.” These remarks were also deemed to have been made with the intent to bully and intimidate.
All three charges were brought under Section 24 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, which prescribes punishment for using online platforms to threaten or harass others.
During the hearing, Victor Okoye, the prosecution lawyer, stated that the case was ready for arraignment. After Olamide pleaded not guilty, her lawyer, T.J. Aondo (SAN), attempted to request bail orally but was instructed by the judge to file a formal application.
Justice Emeka Nwite assured the defense that any properly filed bail motion would be promptly considered. However, until such a motion is heard, the court ordered Olamide to remain in custody at the Suleja Correctional Centre.
The trial is scheduled to begin on December 30, 2024.
The prosecution described the alleged videos as acts of cyberbullying that caused fear and distress. “The communication placed Mr. Seyi Tinubu in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm,” stated the legal team.
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Inspector General Egbetokun and Adejobi were similarly affected. The prosecutors highlighted how the threatening remarks directed at Adejobi’s children were particularly cruel, designed to cause emotional pain.
The case has drawn public attention, as it involves high-profile individuals and raises concerns about the misuse of social media.
The charges against Olamide highlight the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes online harassment and threats. If convicted, she could face severe penalties under the law.
Speaking to reporters, the police spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated, “This case is a reminder that individuals must be cautious about their statements online. Threatening remarks will not be tolerated.”