An Abuja federal court has ordered the detention of investigative journalist Isaac Bristol, popularly known by his alias PIDOM, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Mr. Bristol, who is well-known online by his handles @pidomnigeria and 99%oppressed on X (formerly Twitter), faces nine charges, including cybercrime, money laundering, and disseminating false information about President Bola Tinubu.
Appearing before Judge Emeka Nwite, Mr. Bristol pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court has set a hearing for his bail application on September 23rd, and he will remain in custody until then.
Court documents allege that between June and July, Mr. Bristol used his social media accounts to circulate a classified government document. The document reportedly contained false allegations claiming President Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, authorized over N24 billion, later inflated to N90 billion, as “free money” to the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
According to police, these posts were aimed at inciting public unrest and disrupting law and order, in violation of the Cybercrimes Act of 2015. Mr. Bristol was arrested on August 5th at a hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated the arrest was based on “serious offenses that undermine the integrity of government operations,” including the unlawful possession and dissemination of classified documents.
The journalist’s arrest has ignited a wave of concern among his followers, who have launched a campaign for his release using hashtags such as #FreePidom, #PIDOM, and #WhereisPidom.
The specific charges against Mr. Bristol include mobilizing support for the #EndBadGovernance protest, spreading false allegations of money laundering against President Tinubu, unlawfully obtaining and sharing classified documents, and attempting to destroy evidence by disposing of his mobile phone.
