In a country where standing up for the voiceless is often met with resistance, Nurse Olamide Thomas has become the latest symbol of courage and defiance. A video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) shows Olamide confronting a House of Representatives member on the street after witnessing the politician bullying a street hawker.
Her bold stand against injustice has led to her current persecution by the ruling elites, sparking a social media outcry under the hashtag Free Olamide Thomas. The video, which has gone viral, captures Olamide fearlessly challenging the politician for his oppressive behaviour towards a poor hawker.
This act of bravery did not sit well with the powers that be. Instead of addressing the wrong, Olamide was arrested and has now spent 21 days in detention.
Social Media Reactions
The incident has ignited a wave of support and outrage across social media platforms. Users have been vocal, highlighting the injustice of Olamide’s arrest and calling for her immediate release.
One user, @IceRush12, posted: “I just saw the video, the only violent person here is the politician. She challenged him for a wrong he committed on a poor hawker. Since when has speaking out against injustice become a crime? This can’t stand. Poor Nigerians are humans too; he had no right.”
Another user, @AjayiWizeman, added a humorous yet pointed critique: “They believe they are punishing you with arrests, torture, and detention. Hoin! Dem don play penalty go throwing 🤣. Too sure you must have happily educated and recruited some minds in Kuje… Not even the walls of prison can stop the revolution!”
Support continued to pour in from users like @MHungbeme, who described Olamide as a “Courageous woman,” and lamented how the judiciary, politicians, police, and lawyers seem to be colluding to silence activists speaking against Nigeria’s corrupt elite.
The case of Olamide Thomas has become a rallying point for many Nigerians who are tired of systemic injustice. A user @AyowoleSanyaolu passionately expressed:Â “Rather than being the last hope of common people, the judiciary has become a tool through which @PoliceNG, politicians, and so-called powerful people continue to use to endorse human rights violations. This is 2025. We will no longer accept this. #FreeOlamide.”
Olamide’s plight is more than just a single act of defiance; it represents a broader struggle against oppression and the abuse of power in Nigeria. Her detention is a reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to speak out. Yet, her courage has not gone unnoticed, and the public’s outcry suggests that the fight for justice will continue.
As the hashtag #FreeOlamide gains momentum, it is clear that Nigerians are unwilling to be silenced. The call for her release is not just about Olamide, it’s about standing up for all Nigerians who have been wronged by those in power.
