Whistleblower PIDOM Arraigned Over Money Laundering, Remanded In Kuje Prison

The Nigeria Police Force has formally charged Isaac Bristol, also identified as PIDOM, with money laundering, cybercrime, and the illegal acquisition, retention, and distribution of classified official documents.

On Tuesday, he appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Isaac Bristol, who goes by @pidomnigeria and 99%oppressed on X, faced nine charges and pleaded not guilty to all of them.

In light of his not guilty plea, Justice Nwite postponed the case until September 23, 2024, to issue a ruling on the bail application submitted on the defendant’s behalf. The judge also directed that the defendant be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The incident occurred after his arrest on August 5, 2024, at his hotel room in Rivers State.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, stated that he was taken into custody on accusations of “committing serious offenses that jeopardize the integrity of government operations.”

The statement also mentioned a range of allegations against the individual, including unlawful possession, leaking classified documents, cyber-related crimes, and more.

Additionally, it emphasized that the force is committed to thoroughly enforcing the law in order to provide Nigerians with a safer nation.

The confirmation follows the disclosure by investigative journalist David Hundeyin that the anonymous whistleblower has been taken into custody.

Hundeyin’s post raised alarm within the Nigerian online community, leading to a trending campaign on X (formerly Twitter) that demanded information about the whereabouts and release of PIDOM Nigeria, utilizing hashtags such as #PIDOM, #FreePidom, and #WhereisPidom, among others.