A Nigerian court has granted activist Olamide Thomas bail in the sum of N10 million. The bail comes with strict conditions. This follows her detention for allegedly insulting President Bola Tinubu’s son, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post. Thomas, who was arrested after making controversial remarks on social media, faces charges related to defamation, incitement and cyber bullying. The bail decision comes amidst growing concerns over freedom of expression and the treatment of activists and in the country. The court’s ruling also underscores the ongoing tensions between government authorities and critics of the current administration.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to human rights activist, Olamide Thomas, in the sum of 10 million naira, with stringent conditions.

The ruling was delivered on Monday, with Thomas required to provide one surety in the same amount.

The case involves Thomas facing charges against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and two others.

The charges center on allegations that Olamide Thomas insulted the 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.

The case, with suit number F/HE/ARS/CR/636/2024, lists the Inspector General of Police as the complainant.

Olamide’s legal team, led by Dr. S. M. Oyeghe and J. A. Ekwe, presented their motion for bail. There was no appearance for the prosecution.

Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering his ruling, stated that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that Olamide Thomas would jump bail if granted.

He outlined the bail conditions, including the requirement for a surety to submit a three-year tax clearance certificate, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and provide two recent passport photographs along with an affidavit of means.

Meanwhile, Justice Nwite added that the surety’s address should also be verified.

However, the court has adjourned the trial to February 18, 2025.

Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian human rights activist, said on his X handle on Monday that although the bail conditions were stringent and unduly oppressive, he and his team will continue to fight against the Nigeria Police Force’s abuse and irresponsible conduct.

“Nurse Olamide was granted bail this morning in Abuja, though bail conditions were stringent and unduly oppressive; we will keep fighting Nigeria’s Police Force abuse and irresponsible conduct!” he said.