Nigerian Court Delays Bail Ruling For Activist Olamide Thomas Detained For Alleged Threats Against President Tinubu's Son, Seyi

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday postponed its decision on the bail application of Olamide Thomas, a female activist accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, on social media.

The hearing was adjourned after Victor Okoye, counsel for the Inspector General of Police, informed the court that he had only just received the bail application and needed more time to respond.

He requested an adjournment until Tuesday to adequately prepare his arguments.

However, Seprebofa Oyeghe, representing Olamide, opposed the delay, highlighting that the court had previously set December 20 as the date for the bail hearing following her arraignment.

He insisted that the motion for bail should have been addressed without further postponement.

Justice Emeka Nwite, however, sided with the prosecution’s request for additional time, delaying the bail ruling.

Olamide, a vocal #EndBadGovernance activist, was abducted from Lagos to Abuja and charged with cyberstalking and making threats against Seyi Tinubu in a series of social media posts.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defence ensured the bail application was filed and served on the police on December 20.

However, the defence lawyer expressed surprise at Mr. Okoye’s claim regarding the matter.

Judge Nwite confirmed from court records that the police had acknowledged receipt of the bail application.

"The court record shows that the police endorsed the bail application on December 20. Do the individuals who receive legal processes in your office differ from those handling the cases? Because the endorsement here clearly states December 20, and today is December 30," the judge noted.

"My lord, I didn’t see it. I only became aware of it this morning," Mr. Okoye responded.

The judge, seemingly puzzled, asked, "How do we reconcile this?"

Mr. Okoye requested an adjournment until the following day to file his counter-affidavit, to which the defence lawyer, Mr. Oyeghe, reluctantly agreed.

Meanwhile, Olamide, previously absent from court due to delays at the Suleja Correctional Centre, finally appeared and was directed to the dock.

Judge Nwite adjourned the case to Tuesday for the bail hearing and the trial of Ms. Thomas.

Incidents of harassment against Nigerian citizens over their social media activities have reportedly intensified under President Bola Tinubu, despite his promise to uphold fundamental freedoms.

Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja earlier remanded Thomas at the Suleja Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).

Meanwhile, Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned the continued detention of Thomas, demanding her immediate release.

SaharaReporters reported last Thursday that Ms. Thomas, who had been in police custody under severe and questionable conditions collapsed at the Cyber Crime Centre, Force headquarters, after writing her statement.