In an exclusive interview with the Take It Back movement’s editorial team, Lawyer Joseph Opute, one of the counsels representing abducted activist Olamide Thomas, reveals alarming details about police misconduct.
Thomas was abducted from her Lagos home on Friday, in response to social media comments criticizing and calling out government officials. Despite being held for five days without specific charges, Opute asserts that Nigerian police have violated Thomas’ rights in their attempt to silence dissent.
Opute argues that the Nigerian government continues to exploit her case to suppress dissent and silence critics, further raising concerns about the ongoing erosion of freedom of speech and assembly in the country.
When asked about the specific charges against Olamide Thomas, Lawyer Joseph Opute provided insight into the police’s efforts to tie her social media rants to various offenses. Opute stated, “From my interaction with the police, specifically the DC in Panti, it’s evident that they are trying to connect her social media posts to the cybercrime act. The police claim that her statements could incite public unrest, going so far as to allege cyberbullying against prominent individuals like Seyi Tinubu and Egbetokun. It appears they are grasping at straws, searching for any offense to justify her arrest.”
Discussing the current status of the case, Lawyer Joseph Opute expressed gratitude for the support she has received. He said, “I must tell you that Olamide is fortunate to have a strong network of lawyers and activists advocating for her. I had the opportunity to meet her during the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, and her cause has garnered sympathy from many in the legal community.”
Opute further explained the collaborative efforts made to assist Thomas, stating, “She has legal representation in Abuja, thanks to the Take It Back movement’s assistance in connecting us with fellow colleagues. Her counsel is doing commendable work in pursuing justice.”
However, Opute also mentioned the challenges faced during a scheduled interview with Thomas on Tuesday. He explained, “Although the police initially planned to conduct an interview in the presence of her counsel, they later cited a training conflict and postponed the meeting. Despite this setback, I can assure you that Olamide remains in high spirits.”
Opute confirmed that a fundamental human rights case has been filed on Thomas’ behalf, in addition to a bail application currently before the federal high court. “We are urging the court to grant her bail or produce her in court,” he said, emphasizing their commitment to securing her release and ensuring due process.
Addressing the legality of Olamide Thomas’ arrest and detention, Lawyer Joseph Opute asserted that there is no legal basis for her continued detention. Opute stated, “There is no legal basis for Olamide’s arrest, as evidenced by the police’s inability to bring specific charges against her after five days in custody. It appears that her arrest is merely a means to appease certain individuals, such as Egbetokun and Adejobi, rather than a response to any legitimate legal infraction. I find it difficult to justify holding someone in custody for this long without a clear legal basis.”
Regarding the legal actions being taken to secure the activist’s release, Opute referred to court documents revealing the activist’s mistreatment in custody. He stated, “The court papers in circulation expose the dehumanizing conditions Olamide is facing, including being forced to sweep and clean. All these details have been brought before the court to demonstrate the urgent need for her release and the justice she deserves.”
Commenting on the potential implications of Olamide Thomas’ case for activists and freedom of expression in Nigeria, Lawyer Joseph Opute criticized the current administration’s handling of democratic principles. Opute stated, “The Tinubu Government has demonstrated a severe lack of understanding of how a democracy should function. Olamide’s survival, despite police using live ammunition during the EndSARS Memorial, is a matter of grace. She has every right to voice her concerns, as her case reflects the broader injustices faced by Nigerian citizens.”
Opute further emphasized that the government’s continued crackdown on dissent and silencing of critical voices poses a significant threat to fundamental freedoms. He added, “The current administration’s blatant disregard for freedom of assembly and speech is deeply concerning. Olamide’s case serves as a microcosm of the larger struggle for human rights in Nigeria, and we must remain vigilant in defending these essential liberties.”
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