Court Grants Whistleblower, ‘PIDOMNigeria’ Bail

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to journalist and whistleblower, Isaac Bristol, identified by the Nigeria police as the face behind the PIDOMNigeria account on X.

Naija News reports that Bristol is being charged with money laundering, unlawfully obtaining and disseminating classified official secret documents and cybercrime.

His arrest and arraignment by the Nigerian police have stirred various reactions from netizens demanding his release.

Justice Emeka Nwite has, however, on Friday, granted the controversial journalist ₦5 million bail with one surety in like sum.

Justice Nwite gave the ruling in response to a motion on notice submitted by Deji Adeyanju, who led Bristol’s team of lawyers.

The motion on notice is a formal request to the court to take a specific action or make a particular decision.

In this case, Adeyanju’s team filed the motion, and Justice Nwite delivered a ruling, which is a judicial decision made by a judge after considering the arguments and evidence presented.

Nwite also ruled that the defendant must deposit his passport with the court.

Part of the bail conditions includes that the surety must be resident in Abuja and depose an affidavit of means. The surety must also provide evidence of three years of tax clearance with two passport photographs.