Police authorities have transferred Olamide Thomas, a nurse and activist, from Lagos to Abuja following her arrest over remarks made during a live-streamed Facebook video. The video, shared on October 20, contained critical comments about President Bola Tinubu and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
Ms. Thomas reportedly made the comments shortly after being tear-gassed and allegedly assaulted during the #EndSARS memorial procession at Lekki Tollgate.
Ms. Thomas was arrested at her home in Shomolu, Lagos, by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in the early hours of Friday. Police officers had tracked her location after detaining her uncle earlier in the week.
She was initially taken to Panti Police Station in Yaba, Lagos, but denied administrative bail. On Saturday, police flew her to Abuja and handed her over to the Federal Criminal Investigation Department’s (FCID) cybercrime unit.
Although police spokespersons at various levels were unavailable to confirm her transfer, Ms. Thomas’ associates verified the development.
“She has been transferred to the Police Cybercrime Centre under the FCID,” said Netufo Tomide, an activist. Another associate, Folayemi Akinfolarin, confirmed receiving a phone call from Ms. Thomas upon her arrival in Abuja.
In the Facebook live video that led to her arrest, Ms. Thomas expressed anger over her alleged mistreatment by the police. Her comments included strong curses directed at President Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The activist was visibly distressed in the video, pleading with bystanders to pour water on her head after inhaling teargas during the memorial event.
Ms. Thomas’ alleged offenses remain unclear. However, the Socialist Workers League (SWL), of which she is a member, condemned her arrest, describing it as “an abduction by officers of the Nigerian Police Force.”
The SWL accused the police of harassment, noting that another associate of Ms. Thomas, Lanre Shotunde, was detained in early November in an attempt to locate her.
Ms. Thomas’ arrest occurred after the October 20 memorial procession commemorating the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality. The date marks the tragic events at Lekki Tollgate, where security forces reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters, leaving many injured or dead.
Since then, the annual observance has served as a somber reminder of the victims and the continued struggle against systemic issues in Nigeria.
Despite this, police have consistently disrupted the memorial gatherings, detaining dozens of participants annually.
