The Activist Spaces community has condemned the arrest of Nurse Abiodun Olamide Thomas by the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as an “abduction.” They are demanding her immediate and unconditional release while criticizing the police for targeting her over her vocal criticism of their misconduct.
Thomas, also known as “Horlarmidey Africano,” was reportedly detained on the orders of Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi after she openly criticized police excesses. Currently held at the Lagos State Police Command, Thomas had previously expressed concerns about her safety, accusing Adejobi of targeting her due to her outspoken stance against police brutality.
On November 8, Chronicles Reporters highlighted her fears, with Thomas alleging that Adejobi was orchestrating efforts to silence her following her public criticisms of law enforcement’s misconduct.
Reacting to her arrest, the Activist Spaces community expressed outrage and described the incident as a “heinous act.” In their statement, they accused the police of retaliating against Thomas for her courageous exposure of law enforcement’s misconduct during one of her human rights interventions.
The group further condemned what they described as the persistent suppression of free speech by state actors. “Nigerian democracy is deteriorating rapidly, and the arrest of Nurse Olamide Thomas is a glaring example of this trend,” they stated.
They also pledged solidarity with Nigerians, civil society organisations, human rights groups, and advocacy networks in demanding her release. “We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Nurse Olamide Thomas. The Nigerian Police Force should redirect their efforts towards addressing real crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, vandalism, and corruption, rather than silencing critics and abusing power.”
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Chronicles Reporters.