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#EndSARS: Activist Arrested Over Remarks Against Tinubu, Egbetokun Moved To Abuja

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Following her arrest in Lagos for comments made during a live Facebook video, a nurse and activist, Olamide Thomas who is known for her vocal stance on human rights, has been transferred to Abuja.k

Thomas’ remarks which were directed at President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, came shortly after she was reportedly brutalised by police officers during the #EndSARS memorial procession at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2024.

The activist who streamed the video on her Facebook page, expressed her frustrations over the alleged police brutality, invoking divine power and issuing condemnations.

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In the footage, she appeared distressed, pleading for water after allegedly inhaling tear gas.

According to Premium Times, Thomas was arrested at her home in Shomolu, Lagos, at dawn on Friday by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a special tactical squad under the Inspector-General of Police.

READ ALSO: #EndSars Anniversary: No Gathering Will Be Allowed Around Lekki Roll Fate – Police

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Her location was reportedly tracked through her uncle, who had been detained earlier.

After being taken to Panti Police Station in Yaba and later to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja, Thomas was denied administrative bail.

On Saturday, she was flown to Abuja and handed over to the Cybercrime Unit of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

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According to her associate, activist Netufo Tomide, “She has been transferred to the Police Cybercrime Centre under the FCID in Abuja.”. Another ally, Folayemi Akinfolarin, confirmed receiving a call from Thomas upon her arrival in Abuja.

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore also confirmed the arrest on Facebook, writing, “This evening, I learned that Nurse Olamide Thomas Abiodun is being held by the Nigeria Police Force at Panti in Lagos, awaiting instructions from Police PPRO Muyiwa Adejobi from Abuja. The Nigeria Police are advised to free her immediately!”.

READ ALSO: #EndSARS Activist Awarded Hurford Youth Fellowship

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However, police spokespersons at various levels have remained tight-lipped.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, neither confirmed nor denied the transfer, while FCID spokesperson Funmi Eguaoje said, “I’ll let you know when I have the details.”

Attempts to reach the Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi for comments were unsuccessful.

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The specific charges against Thomas remained unclear. However, earlier in November, her Facebook friend Lanre Shotunde was reportedly detained by the police in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of efforts to locate her.

Thomas’ arrest followed the police crackdown on the #EndSARS memorial procession held on October 20.

Reports indicated that 23 activists were arrested and teargassed at the Lekki Tollgate during the commemoration.

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READ ALSO: #EndSARS, One Of The Most Successful Movements — Soyinka

The Socialist Workers League (SWL), a group Thomas was affiliated with, condemned her arrest, calling it an “abduction.”

In a statement, they declared, “We vehemently condemn the abduction of nurse Olamide by officers of the Nigerian Police Force from her home.”

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October 20 is observed annually in Nigeria to honour the victims of the 2020 Lekki Tollgate shooting, where security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters calling for an end to police brutality.

The #EndSARS movement, which started as a campaign against the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), has since evolved into a symbol of resistance against systemic governance failures in Nigeria.

The arrest of nurse Thomas has since sparked outrage on social media, with Nigerians calling for her immediate release.

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Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

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Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

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READ ALSO: Benin Monarch To Tinubu’s Daughter: Do You Know Role Of Iyeki In Benin Culture?

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

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The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

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JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

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The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

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READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New Heads For Key Agencies

He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

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Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

READ ALSO:DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti-Tinubu Post

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

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The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

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UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

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The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

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Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam

The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

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He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

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READ ALSO:UNIBEN Releases Screening Results, Begins Admission Process

The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

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He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor

Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

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Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

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