JUST IN: Police Charge #EndSARS Activist for Insulting Seyi Tinubu, Remand Her in Custody
The police in Abuja have arraigned Olamide Abiodun Thomas, a prominent #EndSARS activist, on four criminal charges following a viral video in which she insulted Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, and other police officials.
The video, recorded during a protest marking the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement against police brutality, captured Ms. Thomas condemning the police’s use of tear gas on protesters. Speaking in Yoruba, she expressed her frustrations, cursing Seyi Tinubu, Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, and police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi.
According to the four-page charge sheet filed on December 18, 2024, Ms. Thomas’ actions violated Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024. The police allege that her statements were intentionally made to “bully, threaten, and harass” Seyi Tinubu.
Ms. Thomas, who was arrested weeks earlier, was formally arraigned on Friday morning. The presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, ordered her remand in prison, where she is expected to remain through the holiday season as courts prepare for a Yuletide break until January 2025.
Her case unfolds amid broader concerns over increasing arrests of activists and crackdowns on free speech in Nigeria. Another activist, Dele Farotimi, remains embroiled in legal troubles after his book on judicial corruption led to defamation charges. Though he was granted bail on Friday, the conditions have been criticized by rights groups as excessively harsh.
President Bola Tinubu, who campaigned on promises to uphold fundamental freedoms, is facing scrutiny for intensifying actions against citizens over their social media activities. This has drawn comparisons to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, whose administration was widely criticized for suppressing dissent and human rights during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
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