Comrade Olamide Thomas is a nurse, human rights activist, and member of the Take It Back movement who has been unfairly detained by the Nigerian Police. This act is in flagrant violation of her fundamental human rights and also a sad show of impunity by the police on the orders of IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Olamide’s “crime”? Daring to stand for justice, joining the #EndSARS memorial protest, and asking questions of those in positions of power and authority. This illegal arrest is another manifestation of the Nigerian Police acting at the behest of its masters against citizens.
THE STORY OF INJUSTICE
Last month, Olamide had issued a warning of plans to arrest her, which she linked to Tunji Akinosi, a federal legislator in Ogun State, and the National Police PRO. In May 2023, Olamide had exposed Akinosi for hitting a street hawker with his car and attempting to cover it up. The police, instead of standing in support of her fight for justice, turned against her.
When the incident made news, Akinosi’s aides threatened Olamide. Despite filing a complaint with the Ogun State Police Command, her case was ignored. Now, the police are using state power to silence her.
She was also targeted over her participation in the #EndSARS memorial protest, a peaceful call for justice for victims of police brutality marking the fourth anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate massacre. Olamide’s involvement made her the target of the system.
UNLAWFUL ARREST AND ABUSE OF POWER
She is currently in detention at Panti, with the Lagos Police Command denying her bail on the direct orders of the arrogant and illegal directive of IGP Kayode Egbetokun. The police even detained a Facebook friend of hers and the friend’s mother in a desperate attempt to locate her.
This is nothing short of witch-hunting. The police have no right to abduct Olamide or anybody else for exercising his fundamental rights. It is outrageous that law enforcement, funded by public resources, is being used as a tool for personal vendettas and political grudges.
This is not the first time the Nigerian Police have acted lawlessly. From the harassment of peaceful protesters to the silencing of activists, the force has become an enabler of oppression rather than a protector of the people.
Just as they silenced Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights lawyer, they are now attempting to silence Olamide. Who will be next? Every Nigerian should be concerned because these illegal actions show that no one is safe from the overreach of the police.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
The country is gradually becoming a crime scene, where an unjustified voice makes one a target. It’s time for self-education by the Nigeria Police to act as good role models, not as oppressors. Their call to service is to protect, not to hate and harm citizens.
Olamide’s detention is a shame on the entire nation. The IGP and his cohorts should stop using their offices to satisfy personal grievances. Olamide must be released forthwith and unconditionally.
This is a fight for all Nigerians. The police cannot continue to abuse their powers. The time for just hashtags is over; Nigerians must demand justice and stand together against this oppression.
