A popular Nigerian whistleblower, known only by his incognito, @PIDOMNIGERIA is reportedly missing.
The whistleblower with 200,000 followers on X, known for exposing high-profile corruption and human rights abuses in the country, has gone silent since August 15, 2024.
His prolonged absence has sparked concern among the Nigerian online community, prompting a trending campaign, #FreePidom, calling for his release.
A popular investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, has corroborated reports of Pidom’s disappearance, adding weight to growing concerns about his whereabouts and safety.
“This is @DavidHundeyin tweeting. I have control of PIDOM’s account.”
However, in a document circulating on the X, titled, ‘Police Administrative Bail Condition’ and dated August 15, 2024, the same day the whistleblower stopped being active online, it was alleged that @PIDOMNIGERIA, identified as Bristol Isaac, was being detained by the Nigerian police.
The police, in the document, alleged that he was suspected of committing computer-related fraud.
“In accordance with section 36(5), 35(1) of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered 1999, section 27(5) of Police Act, section 8(a) of ACJA 2015.
“Take notice that you: Bristol Isaac who is investigated by this office for the offence of computer related fraud is hereby offered police administrative bail as required by law after your statement was recorded. The bail is subject to the following conditions:
“That you are produce two sureties whom must be: Either a Federal or State Government employee of not less than Grade Level 16, who has a landed property in Abuja that worth Five Hundred Million Naira (N500.000,000:00), who is also ready te produce a letter of introduction from his organization and make copies available of (a) original document of the said property (6) letter of his first appointment. (c) letter of his last promotion (d) office identity card and (e) the original documents for sighting o a businessman who owns (a) business entity registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, (b) a landed property within FCT, Abuja or in any state capital in Nigeria worth Five Hundred Million Naira (N500.000,000:00) and (c) ready to make copies available of his CAC certificate, C of 0 of his landed property and (d) the original documents for sighting
“Either of the sureties will come with one passport photograph
“You are presumed to be on police administrative bail upon acknowledgement of this offer,” said the document.
The national police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi and the spokesman for the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr Peter Afunanya, did not respond to requests for comments.