In a significant victory for press freedom and investigative journalism, a Federal High Court has granted bail to Isaac Bristol, the renowned journalist behind PIDOMNigeria, a platform exposing corruption and wrongdoing in Nigeria. Bristol’s release comes after his arrest on charges of money laundering and cybercrime.

Investigative journalist Bristol Issac Tamunobifiri, popularly known by his X name PIDOM Nigeria, has been granted bail.

The Nation reports that the Nigeria Police Force said the officials from the National Cybercrime Centre arrested him for allegedly undermining the integrity of government operations.

Tamunobiefiri operates as an anonymous whistleblower on the social media app X, formerly known as Twitter, 99% Oppressed, and tweets as #PIDOMNIGERIA The police said PIDOMNigeria was arrested on August 5 in his hotel room in Rivers State.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of whistleblower, Isaac Bristol Tamunobifiri, also known as PIDOM, in Kuje correctional facility.

PIDOM was arraigned on September 4, on a nine-count charge brought against him by the Inspector General of Police on alleged money laundering, cybercrime, and unlawfully obtaining, retaining, and disseminating classified secret documents.

PIDOM was arraigned on Friday, September 27, on a nine-count charge filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police at the Federal High Court in Abuja

Earlier, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, on Friday, announced his presence in court.

“Today, we are present at the Federal High Court in Abuja today in solidarity with individuals subjected to repression under the @officialABAT regime, today for the first time I met Isaac Bristol aka, @PIDOMNIGERIA, who remains steadfast and unwavering; others include activists advocating for great governance in Nigeria, falsely accused of TREASON, with additional names recently added by @policeNg and newly amended charges. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria #FearlessInOctober“

Later on, after the court had granted bail to PIDOM, he posted on X formerly known as Twitter;

“Isaac Bristol granted Bail! @PIDOMNIGERIA #FREEPIDOMNIGERIANOW”

Recall police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi had said PIDOM “illegally” accessed restricted data and posted directives from the office of the IGP.

The police spokesperson also claimed that the defendant raised funds to sponsor cyberterrorism.