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BRISTOL’S ARREST LINKED TO SGF AKUME’S LEAKED MEMO OVER N1B PRICE TAG FOR MINIMUM WAGE COMMITTEE
The recent arrest of Isaac Bristol, iden
tified by authorities as the operator of the social media handles @PIDOMNigeria and username 99%oppressed, was precipitated in part by a petition submitted by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force.
The petition sought an investigation into the unauthorized publication of a classified document on social media platforms, specifically a presidential approval authorizing funding for the Presidential Committee reviewing the National Minimum Wage.
This document, initially classified, was purportedly leaked through online channels.
The leaked memo with file number 58957/S.I/T6/419 and signed by the SGF, sought approval for the sum of N1 billion only for the inauguration of the new National Minimum Wage committee.
The formal petition, specifically addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) with particular emphasis on the Department of Force Intelligence, was submitted on February 12, 2024, bearing the reference number W.I/S.39/C.6.
The petition, titled “Request for Investigation,” was duly signed by David Attah, Director of the Overseeing Office of the Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
This petition played a significant role in the subsequent arrest of Isaac Bristol by the Nigerian government for unauthorized disclosure of classified information on his social media platform, an act deemed contrary to Section 1(b) and punishable under Section 7(1) of the Official Secrets Act of 1962.
The petition which the police forwarded to the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, as part of evidence in his prosecution partly reads: “I am to present the modest compliments of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and have the honour to request for investigation of a case of leaked memorandum.
“Following the constitution and inauguration of a Presidential Committee to review the current National Minimum Wage, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) obtained Presidential approval to fund the activities of the Committee.
“The approval was subsequently, forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Finance for release of funds. However, to the consternation of SGF, the memorandum, which was classified restricted (copy attached), was published in the Social Media space.
“Accordingly, it would be appreciated if you could direct thorough and immediate investigation into the circumstance that led to the publishing of the classified memorandum and identify the responsible person(s) for further necessary action.
“While looking forward to your early action please, IGP, accept the assurances of the high consideration of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Police had filed a nine-count charge bordering on mobilising support for the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, held from August 1 to 10.
The charge sheet obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/456/2024 and filed on September 2, 2024, at Federal High Court Abuja Judicial Division, notes that the case is between the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun as the Complaint and Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri as the Defendant.
The charges were filed by Simon Lough (SAN) and other members of his legal team on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
Bristol was arrested on August 5, 2024, by officials from the National Cybercrime Centre for suspected cyber-related offenses. The police had stated that they were conducting a thorough investigation into several allegations against him.
