In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Ms. Olamide Thomas, a social media activist detained for 25 days for allegedly threatening the life of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, approved her bail at N10 million, alongside stringent conditions.
Ms. Thomas was arrested in Lagos on December 13, 2024, and subsequently transferred to the National Cyber-Crime Centre (NCCC) in Abuja.
The charges stemmed from a video she uploaded on October 20, where she reportedly wished harm upon President Tinubu’s son, the children of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi.
According to reports, the video was made following her alleged assault by police officers during the #EndSARS memorial procession at the Lekki Tollgate.
She faced a three-count charge, including cyber-bullying, and pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on December 20.
Justice Nwite ruled in favor of the bail application, stating there was no evidence to suggest Ms. Thomas posed a flight risk.
The judge emphasized that the charges against her were bailable offenses and found no indication that she would interfere with witnesses.
The bail conditions include:
1. N10 million bond with one surety of the same amount.
2. The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide a three-year tax clearance certificate.
3. Both the defendant and the surety must submit two recent passport photographs to the court registrar.
The case has been adjourned to February 18 for trial.
The accusations against Ms. Thomas highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the #EndSARS protests and the aftermath.
While some view her statements as reckless, others see the case as a test of freedom of speech and police accountability in Nigeria.
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