CITIZENS COMPASS– After 30 days in detention, a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, released Olamide Thomas, who allegedly threatened Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, with death on social media.
She was granted bail to the tune of N10 million with one surety in like sum.
Olamide regained her freedom after fulfilling bail conditions set by the court.
Thomas was arrested on Friday, December 13, 2024, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from her Lagos residence and moved to Abuja over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation.
She was accused of cyberbullying Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and the Force Public Relations Officer.
The activist was detained at the Nigerian Police Force’s National Cyber-Crime Centre in Abuja until her arraignment on December 20, 2024.
After the court granted her bail, the process to perfect her release was finalised on Thursday, according to her counsel, Seprebofa M. Oyeghe who confirmed that Olamide’s release warrant had been signed.
“We just departed the Suleja Custodial Centre, Suleja with our client, Olamide Thomas.
“She was admitted to bail on 6th January. Today, the bail perfection process was concluded and her release warrant signed,” Oyeghe added.
Meanwhile, her Counsel, Seprebofa M. Oyeghe, Esq., alongside his colleagues and other activists went to the Correctional Centre to secure her release.
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to human rights activist, Olamide Thomas, in the sum of N10million with stringent conditions.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, with Thomas required to provide one surety in the same amount.
The matter involves Thomas facing charges against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and two others.
The charges centre on allegations that Olamide Thomas insulted the 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 matter, with suit number F/HE/ARS/CR/636/2024, lists the Inspector General of Police as the complainant.
Olamide’s legal team, led by Dr. S. M. Oyeghe and J. A. Ekwe, presented their motion for bail. There was no appearance for the prosecution.
Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering his ruling, stated that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that Olamide Thomas would jump bail if granted.
He outlined the bail conditions, including the requirement for a surety to submit a three-year tax clearance certificate, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and provide two recent passport photographs along with an affidavit of means.
Justice Nwite added that the surety’s address should also be verified.
However, the court has adjourned the trial to February 18, 2025.
Omoyele Sowore, Nigerian human rights activist, had said on his X handle on Monday that although the bail conditions were stringent and unduly oppressive, he and his team would continue to fight against the Nigeria Police Force’s abuse and irresponsible conduct.
“Nurse Olamide was granted bail this morning in Abuja, though bail conditions were stringent and unduly oppressive; we will keep fighting Nigeria’s Police Force abuse and irresponsible conduct!” he said.
