The Nigerian Police Force, NPF, has finally confirmed the arrest of a popular whistleblower, Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri, popularly known as PIDOMNIGERIA, who was earlier declared missing online.
PIDOM is a renowned investigative journalist known for exposing corruption by leaking sensitive documents from both federal and state governments.
The journalist suddenly disappeared online a few days before the EndBadGovernance protest, which he also promoted via his handle on X.
There has been great concern about his whereabouts as netizens and some stakeholders, including the former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, have demanded an explanation from the police.
Confirming his arrest on Saturday, the Force Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said PIDOM was nabbed over serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations.
Adejobi confirmed that the whistleblower was arrested in a hotel room in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on August 5.
The statement reads: “In a well-coordinated effort, officials from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) 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 thorough investigation into the cases.”