Real reason we arrested PIDOMNigeria – Police

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, by officials from the National Cybercrime Center.

Tamunobiefiri, who operates anonymously on platforms like X.com under the alias #PIDOMNIGERIA and 99% Oppressed, is accused of undermining the integrity of government operations.

PIDOMNigeria was reportedly arrested on August 5 in a hotel room in Rivers State. The news of his disappearance first surfaced when journalist David Hundeyin reported on Thursday that PIDOMNigeria had been missing since August 5, following a tip-off from one of his associates.

Hundeyin’s report sparked widespread outrage on social media, leading to a campaign demanding the whistleblower’s whereabouts. Hashtags like #PIDOM, #FreePidom, and #WhereisPidom quickly gained traction as supporters rallied for his release.

In a statement on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police said other allegations against PIDOMNigeria are unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, and cyber-related offences.

Adejobi said, “In a well-coordinated effort, officials from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre apprehended Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, on allegations of committing serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations. The arrest took place on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room in Rivers State.

“There are several allegations levelled against the suspect, including unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, cyber-related offences, and others.”

Adejobi assured all that a painstaking investigation would be conducted into the allegations against PIDOM.

He said, “We will do due diligence in carrying out a thorough investigation into the cases.

“The force will leave no stone unturned to continually enforce the law and bequeath to Nigerians a more secure nation.”