Court grants whistleblower PIDOM N5 million bail

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Friday admitted Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, popularly known on his X handle as “PIDOM Nigeria,” to a N5 million bail with one surety in the like sum.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on his bail application moved by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, held that bail is a constitutional right.

Mr Nwite said he was inclined to grant Mr Tamunobifiri bail except where there was reasonable ground to believe that the defendant might evade trial or attempt to destroy evidence.

He said all factors must be considered in granting bail, especially since criminal justice provides safeguards for both prosecution and defence.

The judge held that based on the submissions of counsel, he would grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice. He subsequently granted him N5 million bail.

The judge directed that Mr Tamunobifiri must provide one surety in like sum, who must be a reasonable citizen whose tax clearance certificate and address must be verified by the court.

He also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court and warned that if the defendant failed to comply with the conditions, his bail would be revoked.

The judge, who said Mr Tamunobifiri should be remanded in the correctional service pending the perfection of his bail, adjourned the matter until November 5 for trial.

The police arrested Mr Tamunobifiri on August 5 in his hotel room in Rivers State.

The force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced his arrest, alleging he “committed serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations.”

He was arraigned on September 3 on a nine-count charge filed against him by Simon Lough (SAN) on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police before Mr Nwite.

Mr Tamunobifiri was alleged to have unlawfully obtained and distributed classified government documents, destroying evidence and contravening relevant money laundering and cybercrime laws.

Mr Lough contended that the defendant shared documents alleging President Bola Tinubu released N24.1 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office.

He was accused of later claiming that the fund was increased to N90 billion. He, however, denied the allegations.

His lawyer then applied for bail on liberal terms, stating that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.

Mr Lough opposed the bail application, insisting that the nature of the offence does not warrant bail. He expressed concern about the high likelihood of the defendant evading trial.