The trial of Isaac Bristol, known online as “PIDOMNigeria,” was delayed on Tuesday due to the absence of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.Â
The hearing, which was scheduled for today, could not proceed because Justice Nwite is currently on a two-week vacation. He had been working during the court’s annual vacation period from July 23 to September 13 and began his leave this week.Â
The trial is now set to resume on January 22, 2025.Â
In September, Justice Nwite had granted Bristol bail in the amount of N5 million, with one surety who must also provide a bond of equal value. The judge ruled that bail is a constitutional right and instructed that the surety’s tax clearance certificate and address must be verified by the court. Additionally, Bristol was required to surrender his international passport. The judge also warned that failure to meet these conditions would result in the revocation of the bail.Â
Bristol, who had been remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions, was arrested on August 5 in a hotel room in Rivers State. The police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced his arrest, accusing him of committing offenses that jeopardize government integrity.Â
On September 3, Bristol was arraigned on a nine-count charge before Justice Nwite, with the police alleging that he unlawfully obtained and disseminated classified government documents, tampered with evidence, and violated money laundering and cybercrime laws.Â
One of the key accusations is that Bristol shared documents claiming that President Bola Tinubu had released N24.1 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office, later inflating the figure to N90 billion. Bristol has denied all the allegations.
Peoplesmind
