THE Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday, granted bail to Olamide Thomas, the woman accused of threatening President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, of ₦10 million and one surety in like sum.
Thomas was arrested and arraigned on December 20 on three counts for allegedly threatening Seyi Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, through a viral social media post.
The charges, filed by police counsel A.A. Egwu in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024, listed Thomas as the sole defendant.
In count one, Thomas was accused of knowingly transmitting a video on social media in 2024, in which she made remarks in Yoruba, stating, “Mr Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family.”
The charge alleged the intent to bully, threaten and harass Seyi Tinubu, placing him in fear of death or bodily harm.
This offence is punishable under Section 24 (2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Count two alleged that Thomas transmitted a video intending to bully, threaten, and harass Inspector-General Egbetokun.
The communication was said to place him in fear of death or bodily harm, violating the same section of the Cybercrimes Act.
In count three, Thomas allegedly made threats against Adejobi, stating in Yoruba that “the children of Adejobi would all die before his eyes” and that “he (Adejobi) will bury all his children in a single day.”
This communication was also said to place Adejobi in fear for the lives of his loved ones, constituting a similar violation of the Cybercrimes Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during her December 20 arraignment and was subsequently remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre.
At a previous hearing on December 31, Justice Emeka Nwite reserved his ruling on the bail application after submissions by Thomas’s counsel, T.J. Aondo, and prosecution lawyer Victor Okoye.
On Monday, though Thomas was absent in court, her representation was handled by Seprebofa Oyeghe.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite stated there was no evidence from the prosecution to suggest the defendant would jump bail or interfere with the trial.
“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 of the applicant,” Justice Nwite said.
He directed that the surety must provide an affidavit of means, three years’ tax clearance, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar.
The surety’s address must also be verified.
“I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence of both the defendant and the complainant and hold that there is no concrete evidence placed before me that the defendant will jump bail,” Justice Nwite added.
The court adjourned the matter to February 18 for trial.