By Halimah Olamide
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday remanded whistleblower and blogger, Isaac Bristol Tamunobifiri believed to be the face behind the anonymous blog, PIDOM, in Kuje correctional centre Abuja.
PIDOM however pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him before Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday.
He was arraigned on Tuesday, 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.
In a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/456/2024, PIDOM was accused of mobilising and soliciting support to unduly compel the government to act or abstain from certain acts through the #EndBadGovernance protest, false money-laundering allegations against President Bola Tinubu and unlawfully obtaining, retaining and disseminating classified secret documents in contravention of the official Secret Act 1962.
PIDOM was also accused of making attempts to destroy evidence of the allegations made against when he allegedly tried to destroy his telephone handset and flushed it down a toilet before he was arrested.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, had applied for bail which was not granted by Justice Nwite.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter till September 23, for hearing.
A photo of PIDOM had surfaced on social media immediately after the proceeding on Tuesday showing he was unbowed.
Recall that news of his disappearance was made public on the 23rd of August by investigative journalist, David Hundeyin via his X account.
However, a post by Human Rights Activist and Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, on Tuesday read;
“#FreePidom Unbowed. Man of courage.”
Meanwhile, former Nigerian Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, alongside Humanitarian organization, Amnesty International, and other well-meaning Nigerians have been clamouring for his release.