Court Rules For Whistleblower PIDOM’s Remand In Kuje Prison

Court Rules For Whistleblower PIDOM’s Remand In Kuje Prison

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, ordered the remand of Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, also known as PIDOM, in Kuje Prison. PIDOM, a self-identified whistleblower, faces nine charges including money laundering, cybercrime, and the unauthorized dissemination of classified documents, as filed by the Inspector General of Police……CONTINUE READING

The charges against PIDOM include allegations of illicitly acquiring funds, which underpins the money laundering accusations. He is also alleged to have destroyed evidence by breaking his Tecno Phantom X phone and attempting to flush it down the toilet at his hotel during his arrest.

Despite these allegations, PIDOM pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested bail, but the prosecution opposed it. Justice Nwite has adjourned the case until September 23 to decide on the bail application, while PIDOM will remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Facility.

Court documents, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CR/456/2024, also accuse PIDOM of inciting public unrest through the #Endbadgovernance protest, making false money-laundering allegations against President Bola Tinubu, and unlawfully obtaining and distributing classified documents in violation of the Official Secrets Act of 1962.

The police have identified investigative journalist David Hundeyin and one Michael Alade as associates in this case. Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi revealed that PIDOM’s arrest followed a petition from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Adejobi explained that PIDOM resisted arrest, locked himself in his room, destroyed his phone, and flushed it down the toilet to hide evidence. He also refused to provide his phone’s password.

Adejobi stated, “The operatives of the Nigerian Police National Cybercrime Center apprehended PIDOM in connection with alleged criminal activities including conspiracy, violations of the Official Secrets Act, and threats to public peace. PIDOM was found to have accessed and leaked sensitive documents, compromising Nigeria’s security network.”

The investigation continues as the police seek to interview Hundeyin and Alade. Adejobi assured that efforts are underway to apprehend all individuals involved and ensure justice is served. This follows Hundeyin’s recent social media posts concerning PIDOM’s situation.