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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
The trial of Isaac Bristol, known on social media as “PIDOMNigeria,” was postponed on Tuesday due to the absence of Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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.
Naija News recalls that on September 27, Justice Nwite had granted Bristol bail of ₦5 million, requiring one surety of the same amount.
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.
The judge cautioned that if the bail conditions were not met, Bristol’s bail could be revoked. Pending these arrangements, Bristol remains in custody.
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.
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