Detained Whistleblower, Bristol Isaac, Denies Being PIDOMNigeria, Accuses Nigerian Police of Property Theft During Arrest

In a recent statement made at the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja, prominent whistleblower Bristol Isaac has categorically denied allegations that he is connected to the controversial PIDOMNigeria or the 99% OPPRESSED account on X (formerly Twitter). Isaac, currently detained by the Nigerian police, also refuted claims of involvement in internet fraud, which have been leveled against him by the authorities.

Isaac, who is facing a nine-count charge from the Nigerian government, asserts that the charges are baseless. He alleges that the charges, which include accusations of mobilizing support for nationwide hunger protests, are politically motivated. Isaac also accused officers who arrested him at the Osmosis Hotel in Port Harcourt of stealing his property during the raid, including a small jotter containing important information about his cryptocurrency dealings.

In his statement, Isaac explained his sources of income, stating, “My present sources of income are betting and crypto. I have my crypto account with Trust Wallet and Binance Exchange.” He provided details of his bank accounts in Nigeria, asserting that he has no other accounts or affiliations with PIDOMNigeria.

Isaac further distanced himself from any online activities linked to the 99% OPPRESSED account, adding that he is not associated with any individuals or entities involved in such activities. He admitted to using a WhatsApp account under the name “Zico Mento,” but clarified that the phone number was purchased from a third party and was not registered in his name.

The whistleblower expressed concern over the handling of his case, particularly the loss of his jotter, which he claims was stolen by the police during his arrest. “My Wallet address, email logins, and recovery phrase were written down on a small jotter, which I cannot find anymore because it was stolen by the police that came to arrest me,” Isaac stated. He described his arrest as traumatic, noting that the officers involved were not in uniform and did not identify themselves as police, leading him to initially mistake them for kidnappers.

Isaac also dismissed allegations that he destroyed his mobile phone to prevent it from being used as evidence, explaining that he feared for his safety due to the unconventional nature of his arrest. He denied any involvement in illegal activities related to his cryptocurrency dealings and insisted that he has always conducted his transactions legally.

A copy of the court document outlines the charges against Isaac, which include transmitting classified government documents, concealing money received through cryptocurrency, and attempting to destroy evidence. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is being handled by a team of police lawyers led by Simon Lough (SAN) on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.