A well-known Nigerian whistleblower, operating under the pseudonym @PIDOMNIGERIA on X (formerly Twitter), has reportedly gone missing, raising significant concern across the country. The whistleblower, recognized for exposing high-profile cases of corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria, has been silent since August 15, 2024.
With a following of over 200,000, @PIDOMNIGERIA’s absence has sparked alarm within the Nigerian online community. This has led to the emergence of the trending campaign #FreePidom, which calls for the whistleblower’s release.
Adding to the growing concern, investigative journalist David Hundeyin confirmed reports of the whistleblower’s disappearance, further intensifying fears about his safety. Hundeyin tweeted from @PIDOMNIGERIA’s account, stating, “This is @DavidHundeyin tweeting. I have control of PIDOM’s account.”
The situation has drawn widespread attention and concern from other users on the platform. One user, Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilisation, expressed alarm, saying, “The reported disappearance of PIDOM is a chilling reminder of the dark forces that have consumed Nigeria’s democratic fabric. The very foundation of our democracy is under siege, and the silence of those in power is deafening.”
Another user, Pearls, demanded action, tweeting, “Nothing MUST happen to PIDOM NIGERIA. Where is PIDOM? Free him NOW!”
Similarly, Sir David Onyemaizu urged others to join the cause, stating, “Anywhere you see the #freepidom trending, kindly lend your voice & repost. Remember, this is not a democracy. It can happen to anyone because the government is fighting tooth and nail to suppress the truth.”
There have been allegations from the police that the whistleblower, whose real name has been reported as Bristol Isaac, is under investigation for computer-related fraud. A police document cited sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act in relation to his case, offering him administrative bail under stringent conditions.
The bail conditions include providing two sureties, one of whom must be either a Federal or State Government employee of no less than Grade Level 16 with property in Abuja worth N500 million, or a registered business owner with property of equal value. The sureties must provide various official documents and a passport photograph to secure the bail.
Efforts by SaharaReporters to reach Nigeria Police Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi and Department of State Services spokesperson Dr. Peter Afunanya for comments have so far been unsuccessful. As the situation develops, the public continues to await further information on the whereabouts and well-being of @PIDOMNIGERIA.
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