Human rights activist, Olamide Thomas, has taken legal action against the Nigeria Police Force, alleging violations of her fundamental rights following her arrest and detention. The lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 17, 2024, under case number FHC/ABJ/CS. The suit lists the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police at the National Cybercrime Center as the 1st to 3rd respondents.
Represented by her legal team, which includes prominent lawyers Dr. S. M. Oyeghe, Inibehe Effiong, and Abubakar Marshall, Thomas seeks redress for what she describes as a violation of her fundamental rights.
The legal team is requesting the court to issue the following declarations and orders:
- A declaration that her arrest and detention since Friday, December 13, 2024, over a Facebook video, along with the inhuman treatment she suffered, violate her constitutional right to dignity as guaranteed under Section 34(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- A declaration that her continued detention without charges violates her right to liberty as enshrined in Section 35(1) of the Constitution and Article 6 of the African Charter.
- A declaration that her forceful relocation from Lagos to Abuja on December 14, 2024, constitutes a breach of her right to freedom of movement under Section 41 of the Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter.
- An order directing the immediate release of Thomas or, alternatively, her formal arraignment in court.
- An order of perpetual injunction restraining the police from further arresting or detaining her unlawfully.
- An order mandating the respondents to jointly pay N100 million as compensation for the infringement of her rights.
- An order compelling the respondents to publish a formal apology in at least two national newspapers.
The suit also requests any other orders the court deems necessary to ensure justice.
BACKGROUND
Chronicles Reporters learned that Thomas was arrested on Friday, December 13, 2024, after allegedly criticizing the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Facebook. She was subsequently transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Sources revealed that Thomas endured inhumane treatment while detained at the National Cybercrime Center in Abuja. Reports indicate she was denied administrative bail and held without being formally charged or appearing in court.
Further details emerged that Thomas, also known as Horlarmidey Africano, had been previously targeted due to her vocal criticism of police misconduct. Her comments reportedly drew the attention of senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who is said to have taken a strong interest in her case.
In a troubling account, Thomas was first arrested on October 20, 2024, where she reportedly suffered physical assault, including being slapped and beaten. During a separate incident at the Lekki Toll Gate, she sustained injuries after a tear gas canister was fired at her leg and she was repeatedly struck with a firearm.
Confidential sources also revealed that Thomas, a licensed nursing professional, faced appalling conditions while in detention, sparking concerns over her treatment and the continued violation of her rights.
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