Comrade Abiodun Olamide Thomas, a female activist illegally arrested in Lagos State and whisked to Abuja has recounted her ordeal in the hands of the police personnel, noting that some of the top officers confirmed that the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, is behind her travails.

Thomas, in a written account obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, revealed that the police personnel noted that Adejobi had vowed that “he will make me smell pepper.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Olamide Thomas, was moved to the Force headquarters in Abuja.

SaharaReporters learnt on Monday that Abiodun endured inhumane treatment on Saturday and remains detained at Nigeria’s National Cyber-Crime Centre, Abuja.

Sources also revealed that she had been held over 72 hours without charges or court appearance, and denied administrative bail.

SaharaReporters had disclosed on Friday that Abiodun, whose alternate identity is Horlarmidey Africano, was poised for transfer to the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

In an account forwarded to SaharaReporters, the female activist narrated on Monday, “On 16th December, I was brought to NPF NCCC from FCID Cell after altercation with the police officer who brought me. We had an altercation because I insisted I would inform my people before I could go with them.

“And when we were about going, I tried calling the lawyer from the gate where he was standing, only for an officer to stand and face me with a gun he pointed at me, I told them I was not afraid if they harm me.

“This afternoon (Monday), a female police officer who once claimed not to be my IPO called me into the office of the Assistant Director where the assistant director and one other police officer were waiting.

“So, the female police officer played a video and the Assistant Director started to interview me without following due process. (My lawyer was not present, I was not shown the petition against me and I am yet to even write a statement!)

“The Assistant Director said that the FPRO. (Adejobi Olumuyiwa) is his classmate. I told them I cannot be interviewed in the absence of my lawyer. It is evident that I am being victimised by the police due to the directives from the FPRO.
“Benjamin Hundeyin  (Lagos PPRO) told me that I do not know what Adejobi Olumuyiwa) is capable of and that he will make me smell pepper. Three police officers were in that office bombarding me.

“It is glaring that they are being used as agents of victimisation and repression of my rights. Also, it is evident that they are. following the directives of the FPRO, since the assistant director affirmed that they are classmates.”

SaharaReporters had reported that previously detained at the Lagos State Police Command, Abiodun Thomas’s arrest was instigated by Adejobi.

Her detention stemmed from candid remarks criticising police misconduct, of which she herself had been a victim, thereby attracting unwarranted attention from law enforcement authorities.

Confidential sources revealed to SaharaReporters that Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, intimated to select acquaintances that Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun harboured keen interest in Abiodun’s case, indicating an uncompromising stance.

Previously, on November 8, SaharaReporters reported Abiodun’s apprehensions regarding her safety, alleging targeted harassment by Adejobi.

Furthermore, sources disclosed to SaharaReporters on Monday that Abiodun, a duly licensed nursing professional, endured inhumane treatment at the hands of Nigerian Police operatives, subjected to appalling and unimaginable conditions, eliciting profound concern.

According to one of the sources, Abiodun Olamide Thomas was initially arrested on October 20, 2024, when she was beaten and slapped several times.

Additionally, Abiodun suffered injuries at the Lekki Toll Gate, where a tear gas canister was fired at her leg and she was repeatedly struck with a firearm.

A source had said, “She was the only female bundled in a Black Maria with three police officers and 18 other detainees. Olamide Abiodun regained freedom on that day after intervention from the Legal Community, the civil society and media.

“Till date, she is yet to be given her personal belongings and money seized from her during the arrest as her purse was returned with incomplete money.

“Surprisingly, Olamide Abiodun was abducted on Friday, December 13, 2024. Olamide, who is a registered and licensed nurse was arrested and detained over allegation of insulting the Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.”

Another source revealed that Abiodun faced abuse at the Lagos Police Division, where officers threatened physical harm or death, falsely alleging attempted escape.
The source confirmed Abiodun’s prolonged exposure to inhumane and degrading treatment since arrest.

The source had said, “She was asked to sweep the reception, cells and premises of the police station. Despite being an asthmatic patient, the police officers used an offensive air fresher, which she reacted to by vomiting immensely.

“On Saturday, 15th December, 2024, she was bundled to Abuja and is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, National Cyber-Crime Centre, Abuja.

“She has been in the custody of the Nigerian Police Force since Friday, 13th December, 2024, without any plan of granting her administrative bail, nor charging her to Court.

“At the moment, Olamide Abiodun has not been shown any petition against her. Neither is there any Investigating Police Office (IPO) in charge of the alleged case against her. This is a matter where the Nigerian police are the complainant, the investigator and the possible prosecutor.

“Hence, in the light of obvious and manifest bias demonstrated by the Nigeria Police Force, Olamide Abiodun cannot get a fair investigation process.”