Court Remands #EndSARS Activist For Criticising Seyi Tinubu

The police have arraigned Olamide Abiodun Thomas, a #EndSARS activist, on four criminal charges after a video of her criticizing the president’s son and top police officials went viral on social media.

Ms. Thomas recorded the video in Yoruba while protesting the use of tear gas by the police during a rally commemorating the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement.

In the video, she cursed Seyi Tinubu, Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, and police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, which the police claim violated Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024.

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According to the charge sheet filed on December 18, the activist’s statements were intended to “bully, threaten, and harass” Seyi Tinubu.

She was remanded in custody on Friday by Judge Emeka Nwite and is likely to remain in prison over the holidays, as courts will be on break until January 2025.

Ms. Thomas’ case follows weeks of detention after her arrest and has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who view it as part of a growing crackdown on dissent under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Her arrest coincides with the detention of prominent activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, who has faced charges over his book exposing judicial corruption in Nigeria.

Farotimi, detained earlier this month, was granted bail on Friday under what activists described as “oppressive” conditions, including a N30 million bond and a travel ban.

Observers note that attacks on citizens for their social media posts have surged under President Tinubu, despite his campaign promises to uphold fundamental freedoms.

Critics compare his approach to that of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, known for suppressing human rights during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.