An investigative journalist David Hundeyin addressed the recent declaration by the Nigeria Police Force, which named him as an accomplice in the trial of whistleblower Isaac Tamunobifiri, also known as PIDOM.
In a recent interview with News Central Television Hundeyin suggested that the allegations are part of a broader effort to undermine his credibility and threaten his international refugee status.
He asserted that his commitment to “truth-telling” has made him a target in an administration that perceives honesty as a threat.
“There were several attempts by the National Intelligence Agency to abduct me. They also tried to render me stateless. I even tried to change my country twice,” Hundeyin stated during the interview.
He further revealed that these attempts took place in both Ghana and Kenya, forcing him to flee to the United Kingdom for safety. “When they came for me in Kenya, I ran to the United Kingdom.”
Hundeyin claimed that these actions are part of a concerted effort by the Nigerian state to discredit him. “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 said.
He further expressed his belief that naming him a suspect in PIDOM’s case was likely intended to create a pretext for placing him on an Interpol notice list, which would complicate his ability to travel and further isolate him.
Regarding PIDOM’s current condition, Hundeyin expressed concern, alleging that the whistleblower was subjected to severe mistreatment while in detention. “He cannot breathe properly; you can hear it in his voice.
Clearly, something is wrong with him,” Hundeyin warned, highlighting the severe respiratory issues PIDOM has been experiencing.
PIDOM, who faces charges including leaking classified documents, fraud, sedition, and tax evasion, was reportedly arrested after resisting police attempts to detain him at a hotel.
The whistleblower allegedly destroyed his phone and flushed it down a toilet in an attempt to prevent access to potentially incriminating evidence.
The case has garnered significant attention, particularly due to the implications it carries for freedom of expression and the protection of whistleblowers in Nigeria.
As the trial progresses, the charges against PIDOM and the involvement of individuals like Hundeyin continue to raise questions about the lengths to which authorities might go to suppress dissent.
