Court Postpones Whistleblower, PIDOM’s Bail Hearing

 

The bail hearing of whistleblower, Isaac Bristol aka PIDOM at the Federal High Court in Abuja has been rescheduled.

 

The bail hearing will now hold on September 17.

 

Earlier in the month, the Nigerian whistleblower, while in detention, denied the claims that he is connected to PIDOMNigeria or the 99% OPPRESSED on X.com account.

 

In a statement, Isaac also refuted allegations of involvement in internet fraud, which the Nigerian police have levelled against him.

 

Recall that the authorities have charged Isaac with nine counts, including claims that he illegally rallied public support for the recent nationwide hunger protests.

 

Bristol, who had been at the Kuje Correctional Centre after his arraignment by the police, accused the officers who apprehended him at Osmosis Hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, of stealing his belongings during the arrest, including a small notebook containing sensitive information.

 

Subsequently, a Federal High Court in Abuja set September 9, 2024, as the date to hear a motion challenging Bristol’s detention.

 

The court also slated September 11, 2024, for his bail application hearing.

 

During the court session, Bristol pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge related to cybercrime offences.

 

Bristol, on Wednesday (today), accompanied by his attorney, Deji Adeyanju, appeared at the court where his bail application was to be considered by Justice Emeka Nwite.

 

Nevertheless, the judge chose not to continue with the hearing.

 

Adeyanju announced the postponement in a statement disseminated through WhatsApp following the court proceedings.

 

“The court granted bail to the protesters but moved Bristol’s bail application to the 27th of this month,” Adeyanju said, though later clarification indicated the hearing will take place on September 17.

 

Bristol, also referred to as ‘Pidom,’ has since August faced police charges on nine counts, encompassing terrorism, money laundering, cybercrime, and tampering with evidence.

 

These allegations are connected to his whistleblowing efforts, during which he managed the X (previously Twitter) account ‘@PIDOMNigeria,’ revealing purported misconduct in Nigeria.

 

The postponed hearing will assess whether Bristol will be allowed bail or will continue to be held in custody as his case advances through the legal process.