Court Arraigns Woman Over Alleged Threats Against Seyi Tinubu, Police Officials

A woman identified as Olamide Thomas was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday over allegations of making death threats and harassing prominent individuals via social media.

The charges, brought by the office of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were read by Justice Emeka Nwite. Olamide faced a three-count charge related to cyberbullying, harassment, and issuing threats.

According to court filings, Olamide was accused of posting a video on social media in 2024, in which she allegedly made threatening remarks in Yoruba, specifically targeting Seyi Tinubu, Kayode Egbetokun, and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi.

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In the first count, Olamide was alleged to have stated that Seyi Tinubu would die within the year and that misfortune had befallen his family. This communication reportedly instilled fear of death and bodily harm in Seyi.

The second count accused Olamide of threatening Kayode Egbetokun in the same video, which reportedly caused him to fear for his safety and well-being.

The third count focused on remarks she allegedly directed at Muyiwa Adejobi, claiming his children would die and that he would have to bury all of them on the same day. This communication was said to have created fear of harm to his loved ones.

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The offenses are said to contravene Section 24 (2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, which criminalizes the intentional use of a computer system or network to bully, threaten, or harass.

During the proceedings, Olamide pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her defense counsel, T. J. Aondo, SAN, attempted to move an oral application for bail, but the court directed that a formal bail application be filed.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until December 30 for trial commencement, assuring the defense that a bail application would be promptly considered once filed. Meanwhile, the court ordered Olamide’s remand at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.

The charges emphasize the gravity of using social media platforms for harmful and threatening purposes, as authorities continue to crack down on such actions under cybercrime legislation.