Judge’s Absence Stalls Trial Of Whistleblower, ‘PIDOMNigeria’

The absence of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, November 4, stalled the trial of whistleblower, Isaac Bristol, known on social media as “PIDOMNigeria”.

Justice Nwite, who recently completed the court’s annual vacation session from July 23 to September 13, is currently on a two-week leave.

Originally scheduled for November 5, the trial has now been moved to January 22, 2025.

Recall that on September 27, Justice Nwite had granted Bristol bail of ₦5 million, requiring one surety of the same amount.

Justice Nwite gave the ruling in response to a motion on notice submitted by Deji Adeyanju, who led Bristol’s team of lawyers.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite noted that bail is a constitutional right.

He mandated that the surety be a reputable citizen, verified by the court through tax clearance and address confirmation, and that Bristol must also surrender his international passport.

Bristol’s legal troubles began on August 5, when he was apprehended by police in a Rivers State hotel.

Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi announced his arrest, citing offenses that allegedly threatened government security.

Bristol was subsequently arraigned on September 3 on a nine-count charge, filed by Simon Lough, SAN, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police.

These charges include the unauthorized handling of government documents, destruction of evidence, and violations related to cybercrime and money laundering.

The prosecution alleges that Bristol disseminated documents accusing President Bola Tinubu of transferring ₦24.1 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office, with claims that the amount was later raised to ₦90 billion.

Bristol, however has denied all accusations against him.