In a significant legal development, Olamide Thomas has been arraigned in the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly issuing death threats against Seyi Tinubu and other police officials through social media. The arraignment, conducted by the office of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, took place on Friday before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Facing a three-count charge, Olamide pleaded not guilty to the accusations, which stem from her purported harassment of Seyi Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi in a viral social media post. The charges were formally filed on December 18, 2024, and are marked as FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024.
During the proceedings, Victor Okoye, representing the police, confirmed readiness for the arraignment, while Olamide’s defense attorney, T.J. Aondo, SAN, sought to present an oral application on her behalf. However, the request was denied by the court. Justice Nwite instructed Aondo to submit a formal bail application and adjourned the case until December 30 for the commencement of trial.
The court has ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.
The charges against Olamide include the intentional transmission of threatening communications, which allegedly instilled fear of death and bodily harm in the victims. In one instance, she purportedly claimed in a video that Seyi Tinubu would die within the year, while also making alarming statements regarding the families of IGP Egbetokun and Adejobi.
These allegations are in violation of Section 24 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, highlighting the serious legal implications of online threats and harassment. The case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing cybercrime and ensuring the safety of public figures.
(NAN)
