The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to alleged whistleblower Isaac Bristol, who is accused of illegally accessing classified federal government documents and publishing them.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on Friday, September 27, 2024, following Bristol’s bail application in a suit instituted by the Nigeria Police Force.
The Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced his arrest, alleging he “committed serious offenses that undermine the integrity of government operations.”
Facts of the Case
Bristol was arraigned on September 3, 2024, for allegedly unlawfully obtaining and distributing classified government documents, destroying evidence, and contravening relevant money laundering and cybercrime laws.
Police counsel Simon Lough, SAN, contended that the defendant shared documents alleging that President Tinubu released N24.1 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office. He was accused of later claiming that the fund was increased to N90 billion.
The defendant denied the allegations.
Bristol’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, then applied for bail on liberal terms, stating that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
Lough opposed the bail application, insisting that the nature of the offense does not warrant bail.
He expressed concern about the high likelihood of the defendant evading trial.
What the Judge Said
Ruling on the application, Justice Nwite stated that bail is a constitutional right except where there is reasonable ground to believe that the defendant may evade trial or attempt to destroy evidence.
He noted that all factors must be considered in granting bail, especially since criminal justice provides safeguards for both prosecution and defense.
The judge held that based on the submissions of counsel, he would grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice.
He subsequently granted the defendant N5 million bail with certain conditions.
He directed that Bristol must provide one surety in like sum, who must be a reasonable citizen whose tax clearance certificate and address must be verified by the court.
He also stipulated that the defendant must deposit his international passport with the court.
Nwite warned that if the defendant fails to comply with the conditions, his bail will be revoked.
The judge stated that the defendant shall continue to be remanded in the Correctional Service pending the perfection of his bail.
He fixed November 5, 2024, for trial.
The whistleblower was arrested by the police on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room in Rivers State.
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