A court has ordered the Nigerian police to either arraign detained human rights activist, Olamide Thomas, within 48 hours or release her unconditionally.
This ruling came as part of a fundamental rights case filed by Thomas against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The ongoing case was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Abdullahi Liman, with the next hearing scheduled for January 6, 2025.
Thomas, an outspoken advocate for civil liberties in Nigeria, had filed the lawsuit after claiming her rights were violated by the police following her alleged abduction in Lagos, followed by her transfer to Abuja.
The suit, which is under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1892/V/2024, highlights concerns over the unlawful detention of Thomas’ uncle, who was reportedly arrested as a means of pressuring Thomas to surrender.
This act, according to her legal team, violates both the Police Act and her fundamental rights.
Thomas is represented by her counsel, S.M. Oyeghe, who explained that they had previously filed a suit against the IGP, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Head of Cybercrime for the unlawful arrest and detention of the activist.
Additionally, an ex parte application was made for her bail or production.
In response to the motion for bail, the ruling stated: “The arrest of the applicant’s uncle in place of the applicant as a bait to capture her was improper, unlawful, and a violation of the Police Act. The FREP Rules and the Police Act provide for interim orders. The detention time limit is 24 or 48 hours. Any detention beyond the specified time would constitute a violation of the Constitution. The respondent is ordered to arraign the applicant within 48 hours or release her unconditionally.”
The legal proceedings concerning the fundamental rights suit are scheduled to continue on January 6, 2025, while the criminal case against Thomas is set to be heard on December 30, 2024.
Meanwhile, the police had earlier arraigned Thomas on three criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
These charges stem from allegations that she insulted President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as well as high-ranking police officials, including IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.
The criminal case, identified under Suit No. F/HE/ARS/CR/636/2024, lists the IGP as the complainant. Following her arraignment, Justice Emeka Nwite remanded Thomas in prison custody, with the next hearing scheduled.
One of the charges against Thomas reads: “That you OLAMIDE ABIODUN THOMAS ‘F’, sometime in 2024, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on your Social media platforms wherein you made remarks in Yoruba language stating that Mr. Seyi Tinubu will die this year, and misfortune and calamity has befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, where such communication places the said Mr. Seyi Tinubu in fear of death, violence or bodily harm and you thereby commit an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24 (2) (a) Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.”
The second charge states: “That you OLAMIDE ABIODUN THOMAS ‘F’, sometime in 2024, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on your Social media platforms wherein you made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun where such communication places the said Mr. Kayode Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm and you therefore commit an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24(2) (a) Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.”
The third charge accuses Thomas of insulting Adejobi.
After the charges were read, Justice Nwite denied Thomas bail, instructing her lawyers to file a formal bail application.
Following the ruling, she was remanded at Suleja prison.
An activist involved in the case confirmed that Justice Nwite had rejected their oral application for bail and instructed that their lawyers file the necessary paperwork before returning to court.
In the meantime, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned the ongoing detention of Olamide Thomas, calling for her immediate release.
