Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Nigerian whistleblower Isaac Bristol, allegedly behind the well-known whistleblower account “PIDOM Nigeria,” be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre until September 23.
Isaac entered the courtroom around 12:30 p.m. and pleaded not guilty to nine charges related to cybercrime filed against him by the police. The charges include allegations of mobilizing and soliciting support to unduly pressure the government to act or refrain from certain actions through the #EndBadGovernance protest. Additionally, he faces accusations of making false money-laundering claims against President Bola Tinubu and unlawfully obtaining, retaining, and disseminating classified documents, which is a violation of the Official Secrets Act of 1962.
Isaac was brought before Justice Nwite by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on these charges. After his lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, made his appearance in court, he requested permission for activist Deji Adeyanju to continue representing Isaac in the case.
Adeyanju urged the court to grant bail to his client on health grounds, but the judge rejected the oral application, insisting that a formal, written bail application be submitted. Adeyanju also pleaded with the court to remand Isaac in police custody due to his health issues, but Justice Nwite denied all requests, ordering that Isaac be held in Kuje Correctional Centre until September 23, when his bail application will be heard.
In court, Isaac, who has been critically ill, was seen coughing profusely. He had already spent 28 days in an underground cell at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Area 10 in Abuja before being brought to court.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J