Court Grants ₦10 Million Bail To Woman Accused Of Threatening Seyi Tinubu, IGP

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, who is accused of issuing death threats on social media against Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Justice Emeka Nwite approved her release on a ₦10 million bond with one surety in the same amount.

Delivering the ruling on Thomas’ bail application, Justice Nwite stated that the prosecution failed to provide substantial evidence to suggest that the defendant would abscond.

“I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant,” he said.

Justice Nwite ruled that bail should be granted if there is no risk of the accused evading trial or obstructing the judicial process.

The court stipulated that the surety must reside within its jurisdiction, submit a three-year tax clearance certificate, and provide an affidavit of means.

Both Thomas and the surety were also ordered to deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar, and the surety’s address must be verified.

The case has been adjourned to February 18 for trial.

Background of the Case

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Thomas was arraigned on December 20, 2024, on a three-count charge filed by the police, following her viral social media posts allegedly harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi.

She pleaded not guilty and was remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre.

According to the charge sheet (FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024), Thomas was accused of using a computer network to transmit video messages in Yoruba, claiming that Seyi Tinubu would die within the year and attributing calamities to his family.

This act was said to have instilled fear of death or harm in Seyi Tinubu and violated Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In a second charge, Thomas allegedly transmitted another video threatening IGP Egbetokun with similar intentions to instill fear.

The third charge accused her of stating in Yoruba that Muyiwa Adejobi would lose all his children in a single day, intending to bully and harass him.

Legal Representation

During Monday’s hearing, Thomas was represented by lawyer Seprebofa Oyeghe, while T.J. Aondo and Victor Okoye previously made arguments for and against the bail application.

The prosecution maintained that her actions violated the Cybercrimes Act, while the defense argued that she posed no flight risk and should be granted bail pending trial.

The matter has been set for further proceedings on February 18, 2025.