A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi in a viral social media post. Justice Emeka Nwite admitted Thomas to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum.
The judge ruled that the prosecution failed to provide concrete evidence to suggest that the defendant might jump bail or interfere with the trial. He stated that granting bail was in the interest of justice, provided the accused would not abscond. Justice Nwite ordered the surety to reside within the court’s jurisdiction and to present a three-year tax clearance certificate and an affidavit of means. The defendant and the surety are also required to deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar, with the surety’s address to be verified.
The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2025, for trial.
Thomas was arraigned on December 20, 2024, on a three-count charge brought by the police. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application. The charges stem from allegations that Thomas, in a viral video on social media, made threatening remarks in Yoruba against Seyi Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and Muyiwa Adejobi. The prosecution alleges that the remarks placed the individuals in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm, contrary to Section 24 (2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The first count accuses Thomas of transmitting communication intended to threaten Seyi Tinubu, including remarks that misfortune had befallen his family and that he would die within the year. The second count alleges that she threatened IGP Egbetokun with similar language. In the third count, Thomas is accused of making threats against Muyiwa Adejobi, stating that his children would all die and that he would bury them in a single day.
During the bail hearing, Thomas’ counsel, T.J. Aondo, argued that there was no evidence to show she would evade trial or pose a threat to the proceedings. The prosecution, represented by Victor Okoye, opposed the application, citing the gravity of the allegations. On December 31, 2024, Justice Nwite reserved his ruling after hearing submissions from both parties.
The court’s decision to grant bail underscores the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty, with strict conditions imposed to ensure compliance. The trial will commence in February, providing an opportunity for both the prosecution and defence to present their cases in detail.
