National
Court Snubs Police, Grants Bail To Woman Who Cursed Seyi Tinubu
By Benjamin Abioye
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, who is accused of making death threats on social media against Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. Justice Emeka Nwite approved her bail on a ₦10 million bond, requiring one surety of the same amount.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated, “I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant.” He explained that the prosecution had not provided enough evidence to suggest that Thomas might abscond or interfere with the trial. The court ruled that bail should be granted in the absence of such risks.
Bail Conditions
The court outlined strict conditions for the bail. The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, submit a three-year tax clearance certificate, and provide an affidavit of means. Additionally, both Thomas and the surety must deposit two recent passport photographs with the court, and the surety’s address must be verified. The trial is scheduled to continue on February 18, 2025.
Background of the Case
Thomas was arraigned on December 20, 2024, on a three-count charge filed by the police, following her viral social media posts. In the posts, she allegedly made threats and harassed Seyi Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi. She pleaded not guilty and was held at the Suleja Correctional Centre.
The charge sheet (FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024) states that Thomas used a computer network to share videos in Yoruba, claiming that Seyi Tinubu would die within the year and attributing misfortunes to his family. These actions were said to violate Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, by instilling fear of harm.
Another charge accused her of sharing a video threatening IGP Egbetokun, and the third charge alleged that she threatened Muyiwa Adejobi, claiming in Yoruba that he would lose all his children in one day. The prosecution argued these statements were intended to harass and intimidate.
Legal Arguments
During the bail hearing, Thomas was represented by Seprebofa Oyeghe, while T.J. Aondo and Victor Okoye argued for the prosecution. The defense maintained that Thomas posed no flight risk and should be released on bail pending trial. Meanwhile, the prosecution insisted that her actions violated the Cybercrimes Act and justified her detention.
The court will resume proceedings on February 18, 2025.
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