Whistleblower Isaac Bristol, known online as PIDOM, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday to face multiple charges related to cybercrime, money laundering, and the unauthorised disclosure of classified government information.
Bristol, who operates the popular X (formerly Twitter) account @pidomnigeria under the username “99%oppressed,” has pleaded not guilty to all nine counts brought against him by the Nigeria Police Force.
News About Nigeria reports that the arrest took place on August 5, 2024, when Bristol was detained by the National Cybercrime Centre for his alleged involvement in cybercriminal activities.
Court documents indicate that PIDOM is accused of unlawfully disclosing confidential government documents and spreading false information.
One of the allegations involves PIDOM circulating documents that claimed President Bola Tinubu had approved ₦24.1 billion for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through the office of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The figure was later allegedly increased to ₦90 billion.
The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/456/2024, was filed on September 2, 2024, with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun listed as the complainant, and Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri as the defendant.
The prosecution team was led by Simon Lough (SAN), representing the Inspector General of Police.
The charges include unauthorised access to computer networks, mobilising support to compel the Federal Government to act through the #Endbadgovernanceinnigeria movement, and transmitting classified government documents via his social media handle, @Pidomnigeria.
He is also accused of spreading false information to incite public disorder and concealing the origins of funds obtained through unlawful activities, including cryptocurrency transactions and donations from his GoFundMe account.
One of the charges detailed how Bristol allegedly transmitted a classified memo from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation related to the approval of funds for the National Minimum Wage Committee.
Another charge accuses him of attempting to destroy evidence by flushing a mobile phone down the toilet at the time of his arrest.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case until September 23, 2024, to allow time for the consideration of Bristol’s bail application.
In the meantime, the court ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The police, represented by Force Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that Bristol’s actions were a serious breach of government operations’ integrity.
