PIDOMNigeria Charged with Money Laundering and Cyber-Related Offences

After 28 days in detention, the Nigeria Police Force has formally charged Isaac Bristol, aka PIDOM Nigeria, with money laundering and other cyber-related offences.

Bristol, a prominent whistleblower on social media, was arrested on August 5, 2024, by officials from the National Cybercrime Centre. He has been charged with nine counts, including illegally mobilizing support for the recent nationwide hunger protests tagged #EndBadGovernance.

According to court documents, Bristol is accused of transmitting classified government documents and spreading false information. Specifically, he is alleged to have shared documents claiming that President Tinubu released N24.1 billion naira to NAHCON Chairman through Shettima’s office, later increased to N90 billion naira.

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Other charges include concealing money received through cryptocurrency, destroying his mobile phone to prevent it from being used as evidence, and attempting to flush it down a hotel toilet.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/456/2024, was filed on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as the complainant.

Bristol’s case has sparked concerns about freedom of speech and whistleblowing in Nigeria. His detention and charges have been widely criticized by human rights groups and social media users.