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#EndSARS Activist Arrest Sparks Outrage

Nurse and human rights activist Olamide Thomas, known for her vocal advocacy against police brutality, has been arrested and transferred from Lagos to Abuja following remarks made during a live Facebook video.

Her comments, reportedly directed at President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, came after she was allegedly brutalized by police during the #EndSARS memorial procession at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2024.

The Arrest and Transfer

  • Thomas was detained at her home in Shomolu, Lagos, in the early hours of Friday by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
  • Her location was allegedly tracked through her detained uncle.
  • After being held at Panti Police Station and the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, she was denied bail and flown to Abuja on Saturday.
  • She is currently in the custody of the Cybercrime Unit of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

Background to the Incident

During the #EndSARS memorial, Thomas livestreamed her ordeal on Facebook, expressing frustration over police brutality, invoking divine power, and condemning the authorities. In the video, she appeared distressed, allegedly after inhaling tear gas, and pleaded for water.

The #EndSARS movement, which began as a campaign to abolish the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), has evolved into a broader protest against systemic governance issues in Nigeria.

Reactions

  • Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist, demanded her release, describing her detention as a misuse of police authority.
  • The Socialist Workers League (SWL), an organization Thomas is affiliated with, condemned her arrest, labeling it an “abduction.”
  • Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of support for Thomas, with calls for her immediate release.

Police Silence

Efforts to confirm details of her arrest and charges have met with silence from police officials:

  • SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos State Police PRO, declined to confirm her transfer.
  • Funmi Eguaoje, FCID spokesperson, stated she would provide details later.
  • Attempts to reach Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi have been unsuccessful.

Wider Context

The arrest comes amid heightened tensions following the October 20 #EndSARS memorial procession, where 23 activists were reportedly teargassed and arrested at the Lekki Tollgate.

October 20 is observed annually to honor victims of the 2020 Lekki Tollgate shooting, where security forces allegedly opened fire on peaceful protesters.

This latest incident highlights ongoing concerns about freedom of expression, human rights, and police accountability in Nigeria. The public outcry surrounding Thomas’ arrest underscores the enduring significance of the #EndSARS movement in demanding systemic reform.

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