In a notable development on the PIDOM case, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja mandated the detention of Isaac Tamunobifiri Bristol, widely recognized as PIDOM, at the Kuje Correctional Facility. This comes after the alleged whistleblower has spent a considerable 28 days behind bars.
PIDOM was officially arraigned on nine serious charges, including the unlawful acquisition and distribution of classified government documents, cybercrimes, and the destruction of evidence. The charges were brought forth by the Federal Government and are documented under case reference number ‘FHC/ABJ/CR/456/2024.’
Among the allegations, PIDOM reportedly claimed that President Tinubu had authorized a transfer of N24.1 billion to the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) via Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office, a figure he later inflated to N90 billion.
The charge sheet detailed that PIDOM, a 41-year-old resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, transmitted what was described as a classified document of the Federal Government through his Twitter handle @Pidomnigeria. In his posts, he purportedly sent misleading information regarding the alleged fund transfer, intending to incite unrest and violate the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act of 2015, as amended in 2024.
During the court session, PIDOM denied all charges against him. The prosecution, led by A.A. Egwu, requested a trial date, while PIDOM’s attorney, Deji Adeyanju, sought to file an oral bail application. However, Justice Nwite required that the application be submitted in written form for further consideration.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 23, 2024, to initiate the trial process.
Previously, The Whistler had reported PIDOM’s arrest on August 5, 2024, at his hotel room in Rivers State. The police, through spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that PIDOM was apprehended in a strategic operation by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), responding to serious allegations that threaten the integrity of government functions.
Before his arrest, PIDOM had expressed confidence in his untouchability, referring to himself as a “breeze” and claiming access to sensitive government documents, which he often shared on social media.
The police confirmed that his arrest stemmed from multiple allegations, including unlawful possession of classified documents and various cyber-related offenses.
They assured the public of a thorough investigation, stating, “The force will leave no stone unturned to enforce the law and ensure a safer Nigeria for everyone.”
