Abuja, Jan. 6 – A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, who is facing allegations of making death threats against Seyi Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in viral social media posts.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Monday, admitted Thomas to bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with one surety in like sum. The judge dismissed the prosecution’s objection, noting a lack of concrete evidence that the defendant would abscond if granted bail.
“I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant,” Justice Nwite said. “Where it is clear that the accused person will not jump bail or interfere with the trial, granting bail is in the interest of justice.”
As part of the bail conditions, the surety must provide an affidavit of means, a three-year tax clearance certificate, and reside within the court's jurisdiction. Both Thomas and her surety are also required to submit two recent passport photographs to the court registrar. The court further ordered verification of the surety’s address.
The judge adjourned the trial to Feb. 18, 2024, for continuation.
Thomas was arraigned on Dec. 20, 2023, on a three-count charge filed by the police under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre until her bail application was heard.
According to the charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024, the defendant allegedly made threatening remarks in Yoruba in video recordings shared on her social media platforms.
In count one, she allegedly stated that "Seyi Tinubu would die this year," and claimed that "misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family." The prosecution argued that these statements were made with the intent to bully, harass, and place Seyi Tinubu in fear of death or bodily harm, violating Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act.
In count two, Thomas was accused of making similar threats against IGP Kayode Egbetokun, with the intent to instil fear of death or violence.
In count three, she allegedly made threats against Muyiwa Adejobi, stating that “he would bury all his children in a single day,” again with the intent to bully, threaten, and harass him.
The prosecution, led by police counsel A.A. Egwu, maintained that the communications were unlawful and punishable under the Cybercrimes Act.
Thomas, represented by her lawyer Seprebofa Oyeghe, sought bail on the grounds that her continued detention was unnecessary, as she posed no flight risk.
The court will resume the trial on Feb. 18, 2024, during which the prosecution is expected to present its evidence against the defendant.
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