Human rights activist Olamide Thomas has filed a lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging gross violations of her fundamental rights following her arrest on December 13, 2024.
The suit, filed on December 17 with case number FHC/ABJ/CS, names Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center as respondents.
Thomas, through her legal team which includes Dr. S. M. Oyeghe, Inibehe Effiong, and Abubakar Marshall, is seeking declarations that her arrest, detention, and alleged inhumane treatment constitute infringements on her rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
The activist is demanding her immediate release or arraignment in court, an injunction against further unlawful detention, N100 million in damages, and a published apology from the respondents.
Thomas was reportedly arrested over a Facebook video allegedly criticizing and insulting the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and transferred from Lagos to Abuja, where she has been held for days without charges. This follows previous allegations of targeted harassment by police officials.