The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Nigerian police to either arraign Olamide Thomas within 48 hours or release her unconditionally, declaring her prolonged detention a violation of her fundamental rights.

Justice Abdullahi Liman issued the ruling on Monday following a lawsuit filed by Thomas against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Thomas, a vocal advocate for civil liberties, claimed she was “abducted” by police in Lagos and transferred to Abuja under questionable circumstances.

In the case filed under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1892/V/2024, her legal team, led by S.M. Oyeghe, accused the police of using her uncle as bait to coerce her surrender.

“The arrest of the applicant’s uncle in place of the applicant as a bait to capture her was improper, unlawful, and a violation of the Police Act,” Justice Liman ruled.

He added, “The FREP Rules and the Police Act provide for interim orders. The detention time limit is 24 or 48 hours. Any detention beyond the specified time constitutes a violation of the Constitution.”

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Thomas is also facing separate criminal charges over alleged comments made on social media, including accusations of threatening President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and senior police officials.

One of the charges reads: “You, Olamide Abiodun Thomas, did knowingly and intentionally transmit communication… wherein you made remarks in Yoruba stating that Mr. Seyi Tinubu will die this year, with intent to bully, threaten, and harass.”

Despite pleading not guilty at her arraignment last week, Justice Emeka Nwite denied her bail, remanding her in Suleja prison and instructing her legal team to file a formal bail application.

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement criticised Thomas’s detention, stating, “Her continued incarceration is a blatant disregard for her rights and an abuse of power.”

The human rights case will continue on January 6, 2025, while the criminal case is scheduled for December 30.