January 06, (THEWILL) – The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, a woman accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, with death through social media posts.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Monday, admitted Olamide to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum.
“I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant,” Justice Nwite stated, adding that since the accused person is unlikely to jump bail or interfere with the trial, granting her bail is in the interest of justice.
The judge directed that the surety must provide a three-year tax clearance certificate and reside within the jurisdiction of the court.
Additionally, the surety must submit an affidavit of means and two recent passport photographs, with their residential address verified by the court.
Olamide was arraigned by the police on December 20, 2024, and remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to a three-count charge of cyberbullying.
The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024, allege that Olamide transmitted a video through social media in 2024 wherein she made statements in Yoruba threatening Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
The police claimed that her comments, which included a prediction of Seyi’s death, were intended to “bully, threaten, and harass” him, placing him in fear of death or bodily harm.
Similar allegations were made against Olamide for remarks targeting IGP Egbetokun and Force PRO Adejobi.
The prosecution claimed that her statements suggested the deaths of Adejobi’s children and were designed to instill fear and cause emotional distress.
The offences are said to contravene Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The police prosecution team, led by A.A. Egwu, argued that the social media posts posed a significant threat to the victims.
However, Justice Nwite, after reviewing the bail application, ruled in favor of granting bail under stringent conditions to ensure Olamide’s compliance with the judicial process.
The court has adjourned the case to February 18, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
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