A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to Olamide Thomas, who is accused of making death threats against Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, through a viral social media post. The bail was set at N10 million with one surety in like sum.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite stated that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to show that Thomas would abscond if released on bail.
“I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant,” Justice Nwite said. He emphasized that granting bail aligns with the principles of justice when there is no risk of the accused fleeing or interfering with the trial.
As part of the bail conditions, the surety must submit an affidavit of means, provide a three-year tax clearance certificate, and reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Both Thomas and the surety are also required to deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar, and the surety’s address will be verified.
The judge adjourned the case until February 18, 2024, for trial proceedings to commence.
Thomas was initially arraigned on December 20, 2024, and subsequently remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to a three-count charge brought against her under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
According to the charges, Thomas allegedly used social media to post a video in which she made threatening remarks in Yoruba targeting Seyi Tinubu, the IGP, and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi.
The prosecution claims that these statements caused fear of harm and death to the affected individuals and their families.
One of the charges accuses Thomas of saying that Seyi Tinubu “would die this year” and that misfortune would strike the Tinubu family. Another charge claims she threatened IGP Egbetokun, while the third accuses her of stating that Adejobi would lose all his children in a single day.
These alleged threats were categorized as offenses under Section 24 (2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes communications made with intent to bully, threaten, or harass others.
