Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin has shed light on why the Nigeria Police Force declared him wanted and accused him of being an accomplice in the trial of whistleblower Isaac Bristol Tamunobifiri, also known as PIDOMNigeria.
Hundeyin, speaking in an interview with News Central Television, suggested that his situation is linked to his commitment to exposing the truth in an environment where doing so is considered a threat.
He also believes that there are deliberate attempts to implicate him in a criminal investigation to undermine his international refugee status and possibly place him on an Interpol notice list.
News About Nigeria reported that the police have linked Hundeyin to the ongoing prosecution of Isaac Bristol, who is accused of being the anonymous whistleblower PIDOMNigeria.
Another individual, Michael Temidayo Alade, has also been named in connection with these allegations.
The police claim that both Hundeyin and Alade were involved in the illegal access and dissemination of sensitive documents that could jeopardise national security.
In response, Hundeyin revealed that in 2023, the National Intelligence Agency made several attempts to abduct him abroad after he exposed misconduct by high-ranking government officials.
He recounted fleeing from Ghana to Kenya and eventually to the United Kingdom to evade these attempts.
Hundeyin stressed that such dangers are part of the price one pays for speaking the truth in a regime that views truth-telling as a threat.
Regarding his involvement in the PIDOM case, Hundeyin stated that he had anticipated such developments and had decided to go public to protect himself.
He pointed out that suspicious attempts to hack his devices and the manner in which the whistleblower PIDOM reached out to him led him to believe that he was being set up for a criminal investigation aimed at discrediting his refugee status.
Hundeyin also raised alarms about the treatment of PIDOM in custody, alleging that the whistleblower was exposed to a toxic substance while detained, resulting in severe breathing difficulties.
He stressed that PIDOM’s condition is critical, and his voice reflects the damage caused.
The Nigeria Police Force, represented by Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that PIDOM was arrested following a petition from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
PIDOM, who has been in detention since early August, faces charges including leaking classified documents, fraud, sedition, and tax evasion.
Adejobi elaborated on the arrest, stating that PIDOM was apprehended at a hotel in Port Harcourt after attempting to resist arrest and destroy evidence.
The police also linked PIDOM to raising funds for cyberterrorism through anonymous channels, further complicating the case.
When asked about the ongoing pursuit of Hundeyin and Alade, Adejobi indicated that the police are actively working to bring them in for questioning and further investigation.
He assured that everyone involved in the alleged crimes would be thoroughly interrogated and held accountable.
