A Nigerian court has granted bail to prominent activist Olamide Thomas, who has been detained following his arrest for allegedly insulting the son of President Bola Tinubu. The court set his bail at N10 million, imposing strict terms as part of the decision.
Thomas, who has been a vocal critic of the current administration, was arrested earlier this week under charges related to online comments he made regarding the president’s son. Authorities have accused him of spreading defamatory statements, an allegation that has sparked widespread debate regarding free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.
The bail, which was granted by a Federal High Court in Lagos, comes with conditions, including the surrender of his passport and a requirement to report regularly to the police. The court also restricted him from making public statements or engaging in media activities that could be interpreted as inciting violence or defamation.
The decision has garnered significant attention from human rights groups and political observers, who argue that the case is a further sign of the shrinking space for political opposition in Nigeria. Many have raised concerns over the broader implications for free speech, particularly regarding activists and critics of the government.
Olamide Thomas’ legal team has expressed confidence that they will challenge the charges in court, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights in the country.