Bristol Issac Tamunobifiri, popularly known by his X username *PIDOM Nigeria*, has been granted bail following his arrest by officials from the National Cybercrime Centre.
The Nigeria Police Force accused him of undermining government operations, and he now faces a nine-count charge, including cybercrime, money laundering, and the unlawful dissemination of classified documents.
Tamunobifiri, a well-known anonymous whistleblower who operates under the alias PIDOM Nigeria on X.com, was arrested on August 5 in Rivers State. He was subsequently arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 4.
During the arraignment, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered his remand at Kuje correctional facility. However, in a court session on Friday, September 27, the Federal High Court granted him bail, much to the relief of supporters who had rallied behind him.
The police, through spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, accused Tamunobifiri of accessing restricted government data and posting directives from the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on social media.
“PIDOM was involved in criminal conspiracy, leaking classified restricted documents, and acts likely to breach public peace. He also raised funds to sponsor cyberterrorism,” Adejobi stated.
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was present in court in solidarity with PIDOM.
“Today, we are present at the Federal High Court in Abuja in solidarity with individuals subjected to repression under the @officialABAT regime,” Sowore posted on X, adding, “Isaac Bristol granted Bail! @PIDOMNIGERIA #FREEPIDOMNIGERIANOW.”
The police also allege that Tamunobifiri was involved in sedition, fraud, and tax evasion, further complicating his legal battle. Despite these accusations, PIDOM Nigeria has gained widespread support from activists advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes remain on PIDOM Nigeria’s case, which has become a symbol of whistleblower rights and free speech in Nigeria.
