The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, an activist accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s president, and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, via social media.
Justice Emeka Nwite in his ruling on Monday, approved a N10 million bail for Thomas with one surety in the same sum.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite noted that there was no substantial evidence from the prosecution to suggest that Thomas would attempt to flee or interfere with her trial.
He stated that after a careful examination of the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant, it was in the interest of justice to grant bail under the conditions set.
The judge required the surety to provide an affidavit of means and present a tax clearance certificate from the past three years.
Additionally, the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and verify their address. Both Thomas and her surety must deposit two recent passport photographs with the court’s registrar
The case has been adjourned to February 18 for trial.
During Monday’s proceedings, Thomas was represented by her lawyer, Seprebofa Oyeghe
Thomas was arraigned on December 20, 2024, and subsequently remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to three charges of cyberbullying.
According to the charges, Thomas allegedly used social media to make threatening remarks in Yoruba directed at Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.
In the first count, Thomas is accused of using a video posted on her social media platforms to threaten Seyi Tinubu with death, claiming that misfortune had befallen the Tinubu family.
The video allegedly placed Tinubu in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
