Court Grants N10M Bail To Woman Who Allegedly Threatened Seyi Tinubu, IGP

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a N10 million bail to a Nigerian woman, Olamide Thomas, who allegedly insulted President Bola Tinubu's son, Seyi and top police officials, including Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the human rights activist must also provide one surety in like sum.

While delivering judgment on her bail application, the court said there was no concrete evidence placed before the court by the prosecution that the defendant would jump bail.

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

Justice Nwite held that where the accused person would not jump bail or interfere with the trial, it is in the interest of justice for the court to grant the bail request. The judge, who ordered the surety to depose to an affidavit of means, also directed the surety to present a three-year tax clearance certificate.

He said that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Nwite equally ordered the defendant and the surety to deposit two recent passport photographs with the registrar of the court, and the address of the surety should be verified.

The judge consequently adjourned the matter until Feb. 18 for trial. Justice Nwite had, on Dec. 31, adjourned the matter for ruling after T.J. Aondo, who appeared for Thomas, and lawyer to the prosecution, Victor Okoye, made their submissions for and against the bail application. Thomas was, on Dec. 20, arraigned and remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre after she pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge preferred against her by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police.

Thomas was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, the I-G, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.