The authorities of the Nigeria Police Force have confirmed the arrest of a popular whistleblower, known only by his pseudonym @PIDOMNIGERIA.
Our correspondent had reported that the whistleblower was declared missing after his long absence from the digital space.
He was well known for exposing high-profile corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria, and has gone silent since August 15, 2024.
With over 200,000 followers, his prolonged absence sparked concerns among the Nigerian online community, prompting a trending campaign, #FreePidom, calling for his release.
SaharaReporters also revealed that a document circulating on the X platform titled, ‘Police Administrative Bail Condition’ and dated August 15, 2024, the same day the whistleblower stopped being active online, alleged that @PIDOMNIGERIA, was identified as Bristol Isaac.
The document also asserted that the whistleblower was being detained by the Nigerian police.
The police alleged that he was suspected of committing computer-related fraud.
A notice issued by an investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, on Friday corroborated the police arrest.
He said the whistleblower was seen in police custody on Friday, adding that the police authorities were planning to arraign him next week.
Hundeyin wrote: “After coming under immense pressure from the Nigerian public and an intervention involving @Mazi_OJD, @YeleSowore, @adeyanjudeji, @Adebayo_Ralph and myself, @PoliceNG has confirmed that @PIDOMNIGERIA is alive and well in detention at FCID Abuja.
“A member of our intervention team on the ground in Abuja physically laid eyes on him a few minutes ago and she confirmed that he is alive and well. According to the Police, he will be arraigned in court next week.
“We are requesting a copy of his charge sheet so that a bail application can be prepared. Nigerians must keep the pressure on so that this goalpost does not shift.”
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