Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Olamide Thomas, an activist, for her social media comments against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and top police officials.
On Friday, Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, rejected the oral bail application filed by Thomas’s counsel, directing the defence team to submit a formal bail application. Thomas was arraigned on a three-count charge of cyberbullying and pleaded not guilty.
The charges stem from allegations that she made inflammatory statements in a video shared on social media. In the video, Thomas allegedly said, “Mr Seyi Tinubu will die this year”.
The first count of the charge alleges that Thomas knowingly transmitted the video, which “places the said Mr Seyi Tinubu in fear of death, violence or bodily harm,” contrary to Section 24 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
In the second count, Thomas was accused of threatening and bullying Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), in the same video.
The third count accused her of making statements about Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, saying his children would die before his eyes.
The case was adjourned to December 30 for trial. Thomas’s arrest occurred on December 13 in Lagos following the allegations of cyberbullying.
According to reports, the activist recorded the contentious video after being arrested during a rally to commemorate the fourth anniversary of #EndSARS at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos on October 20, 2024.
She was subsequently transferred from Lagos to Abuja, where the charges were filed against her.
