A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to Olamide Thomas, who is facing allegations of making death threats against Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria's President, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through social media.
Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the defendant to bail with a bond of N10 million and one surety in the same amount.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to suggest that Thomas would evade trial or interfere with judicial proceedings.
“I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant.
“Where there is no indication that the accused person would jump bail or disrupt the trial, it is in the interest of justice to grant the bail request,” he said.
The judge outlined stringent conditions for the bail, including that the surety must reside within the court's jurisdiction, submit a three-year tax clearance certificate, and depose to an affidavit of means.
Additionally, both Thomas and the surety were required to provide two recent passport photographs to the court registrar, and the surety’s residential address would be verified.
The matter was adjourned until February 18, 2025, for trial.
The charges against Thomas stem from allegations that she intentionally used social media to transmit threatening messages.
In count one, she is accused of posting a video in which she made remarks in Yoruba, stating that “Seyi Tinubu would die this year,” and claiming that misfortune had befallen the Tinubu family.
The prosecution alleged that this communication was intended to bully, threaten, and harass Tinubu, leaving him in fear of death or bodily harm.
This offence is said to violate Section 24 (2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, which criminalizes using digital communication to intimidate or harass others.
In count two, Thomas allegedly directed similar threats toward IGP Kayode Egbetokun, transmitting a video aimed at instilling fear of death or violence.
Count three involves accusations of threats against the family of Muyiwa Adejobi, a senior police officer.
The prosecution further claimed that Thomas stated in a video that Adejobi would “bury all his children in a single day,” with the intent to bully, threaten, and harass him.
The case was first brought before the court on December 31, 2024, when Justice Nwite reserved his ruling on the bail application.
On Monday, Thomas appeared in court, represented by her lawyer, Seprebofa Oyeghe.
Both prosecution and defence counsels, Victor Okoye for the prosecution and T.J. Aondo for the defence, made submissions regarding her bail application.
Justice Nwite emphasized that bail is a constitutional right, provided the defendant does not pose a flight risk or obstruct justice.
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