The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of an anonymous whistleblower, identified as Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, for allegedly leaking classified government documents, News About Nigeria reports.
He was arrested by officials from the National Cybercrime Center on the 5th of August in his hotel room in Rivers State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noted that there are other allegations against him including unlawful possession, undermining the integrity of government operations, and cyber-related offences.
Adejobi, however, noted that a thorough investigation will be carried out on the matter.
The statement reads in part, “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.
“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.”
Tamunobiefiri operates as an anonymous whistleblower on X.com, and tweets as PIDOMNIGERIA.
On Thursday, David Hundeyin, an investigative journalist, reported that PIDOMNigeria had been missing since August 5 after an associate of PIDOM contacted him.
Hundeyin’s comment generated a massive outcry on social media, with a campaign launched to demand the whereabouts of PIDOMNigeria using hashtags like #PIDOM, #FreePidom, and #WhereisPidom, among others.
