By Aaior K. Comfort
Whistleblower Isaac Bristol Tamunobifiri, known as PIDOM Nigeria, has been granted bail after his arrest by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly compromising government operations. Reports confirm the development.
PIDOM, an anonymous whistleblower active on X.com and recognized for his advocacy under the hashtag PIDOMNIGERIA, was arrested on August 5 in Rivers State. He faced a nine-count charge brought by the Inspector General of Police, including allegations of money laundering, cybercrime, and unauthorized dissemination of classified documents.
On September 4, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja initially ordered his remand at Kuje correctional facility. However, during a court session on September 27, PIDOM was arraigned, and bail was subsequently granted.
The arrest and ongoing legal proceedings have attracted significant public attention, including support from political figures like Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress. Sowore expressed solidarity with PIDOM and other activists accused of various offenses, emphasizing their fight against what he termed the “repression” of the current regime.
Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that PIDOM allegedly accessed restricted data and leaked sensitive directives from the office of the IGP. The police also accused him of raising funds to support cyberterrorism, alongside various charges related to criminal conspiracy and sedition.
PIDOM’s case continues to raise questions about freedom of expression and the treatment of whistleblowers in Nigeria, as the public watches the unfolding legal battle.