Police Confirm Detention of Nigerian Investigative Journalist, PIDOM For Unauthorized Disclosure Of Government Documents After Two Weeks Disappearance

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde, Israel Adeleke

The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed the detention of Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri, widely known under the pseudonym PIDOM, putting an end to weeks of speculation about his disappearance. 

Tamunobiefiri, an anonymous whistleblower and investigative journalist, had been reported missing by his friends and followers on social media after they lost contact with him for more than two weeks. 

However, it has now been established that he was arrested on August 5, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and subsequently transferred to the custody of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja. 

He is presently under the supervision of the National Cybercrime Centre, which is leading the investigation.

As gathered by OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) News, the Force's spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, issued an official statement on Saturday morning, confirming that Tamunobiefiri had indeed been apprehended and that his arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into multiple serious allegations. 

These allegations include the unlawful possession and unauthorized disclosure of classified Government documents, as well as involvement in various cyber-related offenses.

Adejobi provided further details about the arrest, explaining that officers from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) executed a well-coordinated operation that led to Tamunobiefiri's capture in a hotel room in Port Harcourt. 

The police are conducting a meticulous review of the evidence, with the aim of thoroughly investigating the case and ensuring that all legal procedures are followed.

While PIDOM’s arrest has garnered widespread attention due to his role as an anonymous whistleblower and investigative journalist, the police have emphasized that the charges against him are serious and involve significant breaches of national security. 

The investigation will determine the extent of his involvement in these alleged activities, particularly concerning the possession of sensitive documents and potential violations of cyber laws.

As the inquiry continues, the Nigeria Police Force has reassured the public that due process will be upheld, and that the investigation will be conducted with full transparency and adherence to the rule of law. 

The outcome of the investigation will ultimately determine the next steps in Tamunobiefiri’s legal situation, with the potential for charges to be filed depending on the findings. The authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the laws governing such offenses.