The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally charged Isaac Bristol, known by his pseudonym PIDOM, with six counts at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking the end of his 28-day detention without formal charges.
Charges and Allegations
PIDOM faces charges related to the transmission of classified government documents and spreading false information. According to court documents, he is accused of sharing documents that claimed President Tinubu released N24.1 billion naira to the NAHCON Chairman through Shettima’s office, which was later allegedly increased to N90 billion naira.
One of the counts reads:
“That you Bristol Tamunobifiri ‘M’ 41 years of No. 36 Hardy Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria within this Honourable court sometime between June and July, 2024 within the jurisdiction of the Honourable transmitted an alleged classified document of the Federal Government of Nigeria by means of X handle @Pidomnigeria with username #99%opressed wherein you knowingly sent a false message to with: See the document below wherein Tinubu released the sum of N24, 143, 494, 567. 32 billion Naira to NAHCON Chairman through Shettima’s office. Because Nigerians didn’t react enough, they went back and increased it to a whopping Ninety Billion Naira. ‘Saraka’ for the men. Free money with the intentional of causing the breakdown of law and order and you hereby commit an offence contrary to section 24 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention etc) Act 2015 as amended 2024.”
Controversy and Human Rights Concerns
PIDOM, a self-proclaimed whistleblower, has been at the centre of controversy surrounding government transparency and freedom of speech. His detention has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which has demanded his release or formal charging.
The prolonged detention without charges has raised significant concerns about the handling of the case and the protection of human rights in Nigeria
