The Nigeria Police Force has named journalist David Hundeyin and Michael Temidayo Alade as alleged accomplices in a case involving Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, also known as PIDOM, who faces charges of criminal conspiracy, sedition, and unauthorized distribution of classified documents.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated on Tuesday that a discreet investigation into the leakage of restricted documents on national security matters led to the identification of the trio as suspects.
According to Adejobi, PIDOM was apprehended on August 5, 2024, in Port Harcourt.
“The principal suspect, Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, was apprehended at a hotel in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 5, 2024, by NPF-NCCC detectives,” he said.
The police allege that PIDOM attempted to destroy evidence during his arrest.
“In an attempt to resist arrest, the suspect locked himself in a hotel room, smashed his phone, and flushed it down the toilet in an effort to destroy evidence,” Adejobi stated.
Investigations reportedly revealed suspicious activities between PIDOM and his alleged accomplices. The police claim PIDOM leaked sensitive documents from the President’s office and the Inspector-General of Police, potentially compromising national security.
Adejobi added, “It has also been established that the suspect raised funds through anonymous means to sponsor cyberterrorism and other related crimes.”
PIDOM has been arraigned on nine counts before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, including charges of money laundering, cybercrime, and unlawfully obtaining and disseminating classified documents. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to September 23, 2024, for a ruling on the defendant’s bail application and ordered PIDOM’s remand in the Kuje Correctional Centre.
