The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, by officials from the National Cybercrime Center.
Police said he was arrested for allegedly undermining the integrity of government operations.
Bristol Tamunobiefiri, who operates as an anonymous whistleblower on X platform and 99% Oppressed, and tweets under the name #PIDOMNIGERIA, was taken into custody on August 5 in his hotel room in Rivers State.
On Thursday, August 22, journalist David Hundeyin reported that PIDOMNigeria had been missing since August 5, after someone close to PIDOM reached out to him.
Hundeyin’s report sparked outcry on social media, with users launching campaigns and using hashtags like #FreePIDOM and #WhereisPidom to demand answers about his whereabouts.
In a statement on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that PIDOMNigeria is facing allegations of unlawful possession, leaking classified documents, and cyber-related offences.
Adejobi stated, “In a well-coordinated effort, officials from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre apprehended Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, on allegations of committing serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations. The arrest took place on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room in Rivers State.
“There are several allegations levelled against the suspect, including unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, cyber-related offences, and others.”
Adejobi assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the allegations against PIDOM.
The police spokesman said, “We will do due diligence in carrying out a thorough investigation into the cases.
“The force will leave no stone unturned to continually enforce the law and bequeath to Nigerians a more secure nation.”
KanyiDaily recalls that PIDOM recently claimedthat the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was involved in a romance scam with a female doctor based in the United States named Mrs. Fagbule.