The Nigeria Police Force claimed that officers from the National Cybercrime Centre arrested Bristol for allegedly undermining government operations.
Bristol, who tweets under the handle #PIDOMNIGERIA and runs the anonymous whistleblowing platform 99% Oppressed, was arrested on August 5 in a Rivers State hotel room.
Police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi had accused PIDOMNigeria of accessing restricted information from the IGP’s office and raising funds to support cyberterrorism.
Adejobi also said Bristol was involved in “criminal conspiracy, leaking classified documents, sedition, fraud, and tax evasion.”
Following his arraignment on September 4, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered Bristol’s remand to Kuje correctional facility.
He faces a nine-count charge, including allegations of money laundering, cybercrime, and illegally accessing and distributing classified government documents.
The charges were brought by the Inspector General of Police. Bristol appeared in court again on September 27, facing the same charges.
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, attended the court hearing in solidarity.
Sowore shared updates on social media, stating, “Today, we are present at the Federal High Court in Abuja today in solidarity with individuals subjected to repression under the @officialABAT regime.
“Today for the first time I met Isaac Bristol aka, @PIDOMNIGERIA, who remains steadfast and unwavering; others include activists advocating for great governance in Nigeria, falsely accused of TREASON, with additional names recently added by @policeNg and newly amended charges. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria #FearlessInOctober”
He later confirmed the whistleblower’s release saying “Isaac Bristol granted Bail! @PIDOMNIGERIA #FREEPIDOMNIGERIANOW”
KanyiDaily recalls that police had accused journalist David Hundeyin and another person, Michael Alade, of being involved with Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, also known as PIDOM.
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