Rita Odafe
Court to Decide Bail for Isaac Bristol, Accused of Operating ‘PIDOMNigeria’ Whistleblower Account
A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing on September 9, 2024, to review the detention of Isaac Bristol, who is accused of managing the popular social media whistleblower account, ‘PIDOMNigeria’.
Additionally, the court has set September 11, 2024, as the date for Bristol’s bail application hearing. This decision comes after Justice Emeka Nwite’s ruling on September 3, 2024, that Bristol should remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until September 23, 2024, following his arrest by the police.
During the court proceedings, Bristol pleaded not guilty to nine charges related to cybercrimes, including soliciting support for the #EndBadGovernance protests, making false allegations of money laundering against President Bola Tinubu, and handling classified documents unlawfully under the Official Secrets Act of 1962.
According to SaharaReporters, Bristol’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, requested bail citing health reasons. Although the oral plea was rejected by the court, the judge advised the defense to file a formal written application.
Furthermore, Adeyanju sought for his client to be kept in police custody due to health issues, but the court ordered Bristol to stay at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the hearing on September 23.
