The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied access to lawyers and family members wanting to visit Isaac Bristol, the individual reportedly behind the X handle @PIDOMNigeria, who has been in custody since August 5. A development which advocates say raises concerns about due process and detainee rights in Nigeria.
On Sunday, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reported that the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) denied entry to Deji Adeyanju, Bristol’s lawyer, citing instructions from the National Cybercrime Center (NCCC). This follows previous allegations of police mistreatment, including claims that the detainee was “abducted, chained, and starved for at least six days.”
Security agencies are reportedly considering relocating Bristol to a “black site,” away from media attention and legal representation. This move, according to sources, could happen Sunday night or after a scheduled court hearing on Monday, August 27.
On News Central Breakfast Xtra today, investigative journalist David Hundeyin, who initially reported on Bristol’s arrest, spoke about the case saying,”We shouldn’t even be talking about a trial or being arraigned in front of the judge because the manner of his abduction negates any purported basis for there being some sort of repose to the law because the actions of the police were illegal to begin with.”
An anonymous source, unauthorised to speak to the press, told FIJ, “The top brass here want to put him in a secure facility away from the public eye.” The source mentioned that, “They may either keep him at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) or at the Department of State Services (DSS) or somewhere else. Right now, it is very dangerous to see him as there are strict instructions not to allow anyone access. Anyone who violates this order may lose their jobs.”
A source who claimed to have seen Bristol upon his arrival in Abuja reported that he was experiencing physical and psychological distress. The source said, “Due to the isolation and the way he was abducted, he became suspicious when food was offered. After enduring six days of starvation, he feared they might try to poison him. Since then, he eats only if someone tastes the food first or if he knows what it contains. This treatment is barbaric.”
The FCID has reportedly also classified Bristol as a kidnapper and accused him of multiple offences, including breaching the Official Secrets Act, cybercrime, treason, and financing terrorism. He is known for using his X account to publish leaks regarding government activities and notable individuals.
Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, confirmed Bristol’s arrest on Saturday, August 24 in a private message to FIJ.
The situation highlights concerns about digital rights, freedom of expression, and detainee treatment in Nigeria. While the police assert their actions align with investigations, human rights organizations and legal experts demand transparency and adherence to due process regarding Bristol’s detention and any ensuing legal proceedings.