Renowned Activist Olamide Thomas Collapses in Custody Due to Police NeglectLMSINT MEDIA reports that Olamide Thomas, a prominent human rights activist, collapsed while in custody at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja. Despite suffering from asthma and peptic ulcers, which had caused internal bleeding since Monday, the activist was reportedly denied medical attention. Her lawyer, Barr. Ernest Chukwuemeka Okpaga, expressed outrage, stating that police officers ignored repeated pleas for medical care and refused him and Thomas’ relatives access to see her. Alarming Events During DetentionOn Thursday, Okpaga revealed the sequence of events. Thomas collapsed after giving her statement, and instead of taking immediate medical action, the Assistant Director of Administration at the National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) ordered both Thomas and her lawyer to be locked in an interrogation room. “I resisted being detained, but officers assaulted me,” Okpaga recounted. Eventually, after persistent appeals, Thomas was rushed to a police hospital in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, where she is now receiving treatment. Health Crisis IgnoredEarlier in her detention, Thomas had cried out about her deteriorating condition, describing severe internal bleeding and unbearable pain. She accused officers of harassment, bullying, and deliberate negligence due to her outspoken criticism of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Abduction and Detention OrdersThomas revealed that she was abducted last Friday in Lagos, after her brother was allegedly used to track her location. Sources within the police confirmed that her detention was ordered by IGP Egbetokun, not because of any evidence of wrongdoing but as retaliation for her activism. A police source stated, “We found nothing incriminating against her. This detention was purely the IGP’s directive.” The activist’s ordeal highlights ongoing concerns about police misconduct and the suppression of human rights defenders in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Court Grants Bail Amid Cybercrime Allegations ADO-EKITI — The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has granted bail to human rights lawyer and activist, Mr. Dele Farotimi, following a 12-count cybercrime charge filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. Justice Babs Kuewumi ruled in favor of a N50 million bail with a surety residing in Ekiti. The court also ordered Farotimi to surrender his international passport as a condition for bail. The trial is set to resume on January 29, 2025. Case Background The charges stem from a petition filed by Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), alleging defamation in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Judicial System. Farotimi was initially arraigned at a magistrate’s court before the IGP filed a fresh suit (FHC/AD/CR/104/2024) at the Federal High Court. The defense team expressed relief over the bail ruling, with counsel Ralph Nwoke commending the court’s decision. Tensions Surrounding the Trial Meanwhile, the Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL) group warned against planned protests in Ado-Ekiti regarding the legal dispute. The group, led by Chief Michael Osaloni, criticized Farotimi and his supporters for allegedly disrupting national peace through agitation. Osaloni’s Statement:“Farotimi and others are professional protesters. They turn minor issues into chaos. If they protest in Ado-Ekiti, we are prepared to face them unless stopped by the police. Actions have consequences.” Demand for Evidence The Publicity Secretary of JABL, Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, urged Farotimi to substantiate his allegations of corruption against Aare Afe Babalola, as claimed in his book. Opeyeoluwa added:“This isn’t a case of David and Goliath. We demand evidence supporting his claims. The integrity of our legal icon, Afe Babalola, must remain untarnished.” Nationwide Protests Amid the legal proceedings, activist Omoyele Sowore called for nationwide protests in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, and even London, further intensifying public attention on the case. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
