Social media has created new avenues for political participation, particularly among young people, and has enabled marginalized communities to express themselves and access information. Nonetheless, censorship and the silencing of dissident voices have become concerns as a result of government attempts to control online expression.
Bristol Issac Tamunobifiri, otherwise recognized as PIDOM Nigeria, has been awarded bail. This was announced in a tweet on Friday, 27th September, 2024, by Human Rights activist and organizer of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore. The tweet read: “Isaac Bristol granted Bail! @PIDOMNIGERIA #FREEPIDOMNIGERIANOW.”
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, 27th September, PIDOM was prosecuted on a nine-count charge filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police. Bristol had been denied bail by the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwitte, some weeks earlier.
Police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi accused PIDOM of “illegally” accessing restricted data and broadcasting orders from the office of the IGP. Additionally, Adejobi also stated that the defendant garnered capital to fund cyberterrorism.
The Police spokesperson said PIDOM had been taken into custody for “criminal conspiracy, offences against the Official Secrets Act, leakage of classified restricted documents, acts likely to cause a breach of the public peace, sedition, fraud, and tax evasion.”
Ultimately, to fully utilize digital platforms for constructive change in Nigeria, a balance between responsible regulation and free speech must be established.