January 7, 2025
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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, who is accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on social media.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Monday, admitted Thomas to a N10 million bond with one surety of equal value.

 

Justice Nwite ruled that the prosecution failed to provide concrete evidence suggesting Thomas might jump bail. He emphasized that granting bail serves the interest of justice when there is no risk of the defendant interfering with the trial.

 

The judge outlined several conditions for the surety, including submitting an affidavit of means, a three-year tax clearance certificate, and residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

 

Both Thomas and the surety are also required to deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar, and the surety’s address must be verified.

 

The judge adjourned the case until February 18 for trial.

 

Thomas was arraigned on December 20 and remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to three charges brought by the IGP.

 

The charges stem from allegations that she harassed and threatened Seyi Tinubu, the IGP, and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi through a viral social media post.

 

The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, accuse Thomas of making threatening remarks in Yoruba in a video shared on her social media platforms.

 

In one instance, she allegedly claimed that “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year” and that “misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family,” intending to intimidate and harass him.

 

Similar threats were allegedly directed at the IGP and Adejobi, including remarks about the death of Adejobi’s children.

 

These communications reportedly caused the victims to fear for their lives and safety, leading to Thomas’ arrest.

 

During the bail hearing, Thomas was represented by Seprebofa Oyeghe, while the prosecution was led by Victor Okoye. The case has been marked as FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024.

 

Thomas’ bail application had been previously adjourned for ruling after arguments from both sides on December 31. With bail now granted, the court has set the stage for her trial in February.


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