The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, a Nigerian woman accused of insulting Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and senior police officials in a viral Facebook post that generated significant attention. The court's decision to grant bail came after a careful review of the case, and Thomas was released on a N10 million bail, with the requirement of one surety in like sum, as per the ruling of Justice Emeka Nwite.
Justice Nwite, in delivering the judgment, highlighted that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to suggest that Thomas posed a flight risk or that she might abscond if granted bail. The judge emphasized that granting bail was in the interest of justice as long as the accused would not interfere with the ongoing trial process. The case had sparked considerable public interest, especially due to the high-profile individuals involved.
As part of the conditions for bail, the court stipulated that the surety must meet certain requirements, including providing a three-year tax clearance certificate, an affidavit of means, and proving residence within the jurisdiction of the court. Additionally, both Thomas and the surety are required to deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar, and the address of the surety will be subject to verification to ensure compliance with the bail terms. These conditions were outlined to ensure the trial process would proceed smoothly and without any disruptions.
Thomas, who is known as a human rights activist, was arraigned before the court on December 20, 2023, facing three counts of harassment and issuing death threats against Seyi Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi. She had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and prior to the bail hearing, she had been remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The case has generated widespread attention due to its involvement of high-ranking political and law enforcement figures.
The court proceedings have been adjourned to February 18, 2025, for the trial to continue, allowing for further legal developments. The public and media remain keenly interested in the outcome of this case, which continues to attract significant debate across Nigeria.
