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WATCH THE VIDEO HOW SHE THREW HIM| YOUNG MOTHER THREW HER 10 MONTH OLD BABY INTO DELTA RIVER| POLICE FUMES AS SHE WAS ARRESTED.Lawyer Joseph Opute Reveals Lack of Charges Against Abiodun Olamide Thomas, Criticizes Nigerian Government’s Crackdown on Dissent. ...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE ...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE
Joseph Opute, one of the legal representatives of Abiodun Olamide Thomas, a female activist who was allegedly abducted from her Lagos home by Nigeria Police operatives for criticizing police excesses, has disclosed that no formal charges have been filed against her despite her spending six days in detention.
Thomas’ arrest has sparked widespread concern, with many seeing it as part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and intimidate activists.
In an interview with the Take-It-Back Movement Global, shared with SaharaReporters, Opute revealed that despite being detained for over a week, the police have been unable to pinpoint specific charges against Thomas. He also disclosed that the police are now scrambling to accuse her of cybercrime and cyberbullying, linking her social media posts to these offenses. The police allege that her comments about the actions of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, could incite public unrest.
Arrest Without Clear Charges
Thomas, an outspoken critic of police brutality and government corruption, was arrested last Friday at her home in Lagos after making online remarks condemning police officers for their misconduct and accusing government officials of human rights violations. Despite the length of her detention, Opute emphasized that no formal charges had been laid against her.
“From my interactions with the police, especially the Deputy Commissioner in Panti, it is clear they are struggling to find a legal basis for her arrest. They are attempting to connect her social media posts to the Cybercrime Act, alleging that her statements could incite unrest and that she engaged in cyberbullying against prominent figures,” Opute explained. “It’s clear they are grasping for something—anything—to justify her arrest.”
Rising Concern Over Freedom of Speech
Opute also voiced his concerns about the broader implications of Thomas’ detention, particularly for the state of free expression and assembly in Nigeria under President Tinubu’s government. He pointed out that the arrest appears to be part of a deliberate strategy to stifle critical voices and silence opposition, which he argues undermines democratic principles.
“The current government continues to use cases like Olamide’s as a tool to suppress dissent and intimidate citizens who dare to speak out against injustices,” Opute stated. “This case exemplifies the erosion of freedom of speech and the crackdown on civil liberties we are witnessing in Nigeria.”
Legal Efforts and Challenges
While Thomas remains in detention, Opute shared that a human rights case has already been filed on her behalf, alongside a bail application before the federal high court. He emphasized that they are actively pursuing legal avenues to secure her release and ensure her rights are upheld.
“We are requesting that the court grant her bail or at least compel the police to present her in court,” Opute affirmed. “There is no legal justification for her prolonged detention without charges. This is an abuse of her rights.”
Despite setbacks, including the police’s failure to conduct a planned interview with Thomas due to an alleged scheduling conflict, Opute praised the legal community’s support for Thomas. He acknowledged the assistance of the Take-It-Back Movement in facilitating her legal representation, noting that she has received considerable backing from human rights advocates and legal professionals committed to her cause.WATCH THE VIDEO HOW SHE THREW HIM| YOUNG MOTHER THREW HER 10 MONTH OLD BABY INTO DELTA RIVER| POLICE FUMES AS SHE WAS ARRESTED.
Abuse in Custody and Legal Advocacy
Opute also revealed troubling details regarding Thomas’ treatment while in police custody. He shared that court documents describing the harsh conditions Thomas has endured in detention, including forced labor such as sweeping and cleaning, have been submitted to the court to highlight the inhumane treatment she has faced.
“The conditions she is being subjected to are degrading, and we are urging the court to recognize the urgency of her release. This is not just about her case but about the fundamental rights of every Nigerian citizen,” Opute remarked.
Impact on Activism and Democracy in Nigeria
Reflecting on the broader implications of Thomas’ arrest, Opute criticized the government’s increasing efforts to undermine democratic principles. He stated that the current administration’s handling of dissent poses a grave threat to the freedoms that should be guaranteed in a democratic society.
“The Tinubu government has shown a complete disregard for democratic rights and freedoms,” Opute said. “This administration’s approach to handling dissent and its crackdown on individuals who speak out against government policies sends a dangerous message to the public. Olamide’s case is not isolated; it is a symptom of a larger issue we must confront.”
He also emphasized that Thomas’ case is emblematic of the broader struggle for human rights in Nigeria. “Olamide’s survival during the #EndSARS Memorial protests, despite the use of live ammunition against protesters, was a testament to her resilience. She has every right to voice her concerns, and her case underscores the larger fight for justice and accountability in Nigeria.”
Opute concluded by reiterating the importance of continued vigilance in defending civil liberties and human rights in the country.WATCH THE VIDEO HOW SHE THREW HIM| YOUNG MOTHER THREW HER 10 MONTH OLD BABY INTO DELTA RIVER| POLICE FUMES AS SHE WAS ARRESTED.
“We must not allow the government to further erode our rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and dissent. Olamide’s case serves as a stark reminder that the struggle for justice is ongoing, and it is up to us to defend these vital freedoms.”…READ -THE.FULL_ARTICLE.HERE.
