Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, a prominent social media activist known by his handle @Pidomnigeria, was arrested and charged by the Nigerian Police Force with multiple counts of cybercrime, money laundering, and unauthorized disclosure of classified documents. Tamunobifiri, a 41-year-old resident of No. 36 Hardy Avenue, Ozuoba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja for his alleged involvement in activities considered illegal under Nigerian law.
The charges brought against Tamunobifiri detail a series of offenses that took place between 2023 and August 2024. According to the charge sheet, Tamunobifiri used his social media platform to mobilize and solicit support from Nigerians to compel the Federal Government to take certain actions. His activities were allegedly promoted through the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
Count 1: Cybercrime – Mobilization to Unduly Compel the Government
Tamunobifiri is accused of using his social media handle, @Pidomnigeria, with the username “99% Oppressed,” to mobilize and solicit support from Nigerians to unduly pressure the Federal Government of Nigeria to perform or abstain from performing certain acts. This mobilization was allegedly done through the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, which aimed to criticize and challenge government actions. The prosecution claims that these actions constitute an offense punishable under Section 18 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended).
Count 2: Transmission of Alleged False Classified Document
The second charge against Tamunobifiri alleges that, between June and July 2024, he transmitted a classified document purportedly from the Federal Government via his social media platform. The message falsely claimed that President Tinubu had released over 24 billion Naira to the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through the office of Vice President Shettima. This message, according to the prosecution, was intended to incite public disorder and unrest. The charge is considered an offense under Section 24 (b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
Counts 3 to 5: Unauthorized Disclosure of Classified Information
Counts 3, 4, and 5 pertain to the unauthorized disclosure of classified memos, including one from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation regarding the National Minimum Wage Committee and another labeled “Police Wireless Message.” The prosecution alleges that Tamunobifiri reproduced and transmitted these documents to the public via his social media handle, actions not authorized by the Federal Government or the Nigerian Police. These offenses are contrary to Section 1(b) and punishable under Section 7 (1) of the Official Secrets Act, 1962.
Counts 6 to 8: Money Laundering Allegations
Tamunobifiri is also facing charges of money laundering. He is accused of concealing or disguising the origins of funds derived from unlawful activities, including donations collected through his crypto wallet and a GoFundMe account. The amounts involved are approximately 970,000 Naira and 6,637 British Pounds. These funds were allegedly used to support illegal activities, violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Count 9: Destruction of Evidence
The final charge against Tamunobifiri involves the destruction of evidence. The police allege that upon his arrest, he destroyed his mobile phone, a Tecno Phantom X 2021 model, and attempted to flush it down a toilet in an attempt to prevent it from being used as evidence. This action is considered an offense under Section 123 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP 38 Laws of the Federation 2004.
The arrest of Tamunobifiri has sparked outrage among activists and civil society groups who view the charges as an attempt by the government to silence dissent and crackdown on free speech. Tamunobifiri, who has gained popularity for his vocal criticism of government policies and his advocacy for good governance, has been a prominent figure on social media, particularly during the #EndSARS protests and other movements aimed at holding the government accountable.
The Nigerian Police Force’s National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has been involved in investigating Tamunobifiri’s online activities for several months, leading to his arrest. The police assert that his actions have caused embarrassment to the government and posed a threat to national security. The prosecution intends to rely on various pieces of evidence, including statements from witnesses, digital evidence, bank documents, and correspondences with network service providers, to build their case against the defendant.
Human rights organizations have criticized the government’s use of the Cybercrimes Act and the Official Secrets Act to target activists, arguing that these laws are being misused to stifle freedom of expression. Legal experts have also raised concerns about the broad interpretation of these laws and the potential impact on journalism and activism in Nigeria.
The trial is expected to draw significant attention from both local and international observers, as it touches on critical issues of digital rights, freedom of expression, and government accountability in Nigeria. If convicted, Tamunobifiri could face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The court has adjourned the case to a later date for a full trial, and Tamunobifiri remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
