In a recent interview with News Central Television, investigative journalist David Hundeyin elaborated on the Nigerian Police Force’s declaration of him as an accomplice in the ongoing trial of whistleblower Isaac Tamunobifiri, popularly known as PIDOM. Hundeyin, who has been vocal about issues of governance and corruption, suggested that this declaration was part of a broader effort by the authorities to undermine his credibility and silence dissent.
Hundeyin attributed the police’s actions to a regime that perceives truth-telling as a threat. He stated that his status as an international refugee was being targeted in an attempt to discredit him and potentially place him on an Interpol notice list. “This is part of the price that you have to pay when you decide to say the truth at a time when it wasn’t fashionable to do so, especially in a regime that sees truth-telling as an affront,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the challenges he has faced since exposing governmental corruption, Hundeyin recounted how the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) allegedly made multiple attempts to abduct him while he was overseas. He detailed incidents in both Ghana and Kenya where he felt his safety was compromised, leading him to ultimately relocate to the United Kingdom. “There were several attempts by the NIA to abduct me. They also tried to render me stateless. I even tried to change my country twice,” he explained.
Hundeyin indicated that these attempts were indicative of a larger strategy to intimidate journalists and whistleblowers who dare to speak out against governmental misconduct. He expressed a sense of foreboding about the implications of being labeled a suspect in PIDOM’s trial, suggesting that it was a calculated move to create a narrative that would facilitate his persecution. “The educated guess that I had then was that this was probably a state security attempt to rope me into some criminal investigation to discredit my international refugee status,” he asserted.
As for PIDOM’s current condition, Hundeyin expressed concern over the treatment the whistleblower has received while in custody. He claimed that PIDOM had been exposed to a toxic substance while detained at the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), which has severely affected his health. “He cannot breathe properly; you can hear it in his voice. Clearly, something is wrong with him,” Hundeyin stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The police have accused PIDOM of leaking classified documents, fraud, sedition, and tax evasion, among other charges. During a press briefing, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed that PIDOM’s arrest followed a petition from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Adejobi described how PIDOM resisted arrest, destroyed evidence, and attempted to evade capture when police operatives arrived at his hotel.
Following his arrest, PIDOM was remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility, where he faces multiple charges, including money laundering and cybercrime. The allegations against him include using his social media platform to incite public action against the federal government through a movement he promoted under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
The case has sparked considerable debate about freedom of expression and the treatment of whistleblowers in Nigeria, especially as many observers view the government’s actions as a means to silence dissent and intimidate those who dare to challenge the status quo.
As Hundeyin continues to navigate these challenges, his situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists and activists in environments where dissent is often met with hostility. His commitment to truth-telling, despite the personal costs, highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and transparency in governance.
