Nigerian Activist Abiodun Thomas Detained In Abuja Over Alleged Police Criticism, Held Without Charges
Nigerian activist and registered nurse, Abiodun Olamide Thomas, has been arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police Force for over 72 hours without formal charges or court appearance. Reports indicate she is being held at the National Cyber-Crime Centre in Abuja under harsh conditions, denied administrative bail, and subjected to inhumane treatment.
Thomas, also known as Horlarmidey Africano, was initially arrested on December 13, 2024, allegedly for criticizing the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Her remarks, which highlighted police misconduct based on personal experiences, reportedly prompted her arrest and subsequent transfer from Lagos to Abuja.
Sources claim that during her initial arrest in Lagos, Thomas was subjected to physical abuse, including beatings and threats. She was reportedly forced to sweep police station premises and exposed to harmful substances despite being an asthmatic patient, leading to severe reactions.
One source disclosed, “She was the only female detainee placed in a Black Maria alongside three officers and 18 others. Despite her eventual release on October 20, 2024, through legal and civil society intervention, her personal belongings and money were not fully returned.”
Following her re-arrest, reports suggest that Thomas has faced degrading treatment, including alleged threats of death and false accusations of attempting to escape custody.
Thomas has not been presented with any official petition or investigative findings, raising concerns about bias and the lack of a fair process. “This case highlights a troubling pattern where the police serve as complainant, investigator, and potential prosecutor,” a source said.
The activist remains in custody with no indication of plans for bail or a court hearing, fueling criticism from human rights advocates.
The arrest of Thomas, a vocal critic of police excesses, has drawn attention from civil society and the media, with many decrying the treatment she has endured. Calls are growing for accountability and adherence to due process in her case, as concerns mount over the broader implications for freedom of expression and police reform in Nigeria.
