SaharaReporters learned on Monday that Abiodun endured inhumane treatment on Saturday and remains detained at Nigeria's National Cyber-Crime Centre, Abuja. Sources reveal she's been held over 72 hours without charges or court appearance, and denied administrative bail.
Comrade Abiodun Olamide Thomas, a female activist arrested on Friday for allegedly insulting the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has reportedly been moved to the Force headquarters in Abuja.
SaharaReporters learned on Monday that Abiodun endured inhumane treatment on Saturday and remains detained at Nigeria's National Cyber-Crime Centre, Abuja. Sources reveal she's been held over 72 hours without charges or court appearance, and denied administrative bail.
SaharaReporters disclosed on Friday that Abiodun, whose alternate identity is Horlarmidey Africano, was poised for transfer to the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Previously detained at the Lagos State Police Command, Abiodun's arrest was reportedly instigated by Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer. Her detention stemmed from candid remarks criticizing police misconduct, of which she herself had been a victim, thereby attracting unwarranted attention from law enforcement authorities.
Confidential sources revealed to SaharaReporters that Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, intimated to select acquaintances that Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun harbored keen interest in Abiodun's case, indicating an uncompromising stance.
Previously, on November 8, SaharaReporters reported Abiodun's apprehensions regarding her safety, alleging targeted harassment by Adejobi.
Furthermore, sources disclosed to SaharaReporters on Monday that Abiodun, a duly licensed nursing professional, endured inhumane treatment at the hands of Nigerian Police operatives, subjected to appalling and unimaginable conditions, eliciting profound concern.
According to one of the sources, Abiodun Olamide Thomas was initially arrested on October 20, 2024, when she was beaten and slapped several times.
Additionally, Abiodun suffered injuries at the Lekki Toll Gate, where a tear gas canister was fired at her leg and she was repeatedly struck with a firearm.
A source said, "She was the only female bundled in a Black Maria with three police officers and 18 other detainees. Olamide Abiodun regained freedom on that day after intervention from the Legal Community, the civil society and media.
"Till date, she is yet to be given her personal belongings and money seized from her during the arrest as her purse was returned with incomplete money.
"Surprisingly, Olamide Abiodun was abducted on Friday, December 13, 2024. Olamide, who is a registered and licensed nurse was arrested and detained over allegation of insulting the Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi."
Another source revealed that Abiodun faced abuse at the Lagos Police Division, where officers threatened physical harm or death, falsely alleging attempted escape.
The source confirmed Abiodun's prolonged exposure to inhumane and degrading treatment since arrest.
The source said, “She was asked to sweep the reception, cells and premises of the police station. Despite being an asthmatic patient, the police officers used an offensive air fresher, which she reacted to by vomiting immensely.
"On Saturday, 15th December, 2024, she was bundled to Abuja and is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, National Cyber-Crime Centre, Abuja.
“She has been in the custody of the Nigerian Police Force since Friday, 13th December, 2024, without any plan of granting her administrative bail, nor charging her to Court.
"At the moment, Olamide Abiodun has not been shown any petition against her. Neither is there any Investigating Police Office (IPO) in charge of the alleged case against her. This is a matter where the Nigerian police are the complainant, the investigator and the possible prosecutor.
“Hence, in the light of obvious and manifest bias demonstrated by the Nigeria Police Force, Olamide Abiodun cannot get a fair investigation process."