In a high-stakes court ruling, whistleblower Isaac Bristol Tamunobifiri, popularly known as PIDOMNigeria, was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Tamunobifiri, renowned for his anonymous whistleblowing activities on X.com and social media, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force on August 5 at a hotel in Rivers State.
The arrest, initiated by the National Cybercrime Centre, was tied to allegations that Tamunobifiri had compromised government operations by unlawfully accessing and sharing classified documents. He was charged with nine counts, including cybercrime, money laundering, and breaching the Official Secrets Act. These charges also accused him of raising funds to support cyberterrorism.
Judge Emeka Nwite ordered Tamunobifiri’s remand in Kuje Correctional Facility during his initial arraignment on September 4, where the case drew widespread public attention. Advocacy for his release gained momentum as activists, including 2023 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, voiced solidarity with PIDOMNigeria, emphasizing his commitment to exposing government wrongdoing.
Sowore, present in court, expressed his support on social media, celebrating the court’s decision to grant bail and calling for an end to what he described as government repression of whistleblowers and activists.
The prosecution, led by the office of the Inspector General of Police, had alleged that PIDOMNigeria engaged in acts likely to disturb public peace and conspiracy, further fueling the debate about freedom of speech and government transparency in Nigeria.
The case is expected to draw continued attention, as whistleblowers and freedom of information advocates closely monitor developments regarding the accusations against Tamunobifiri and others facing similar charges under the current administration.
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