Renowned whistleblower and undercover journalist Isaac Bristol, popularly known by his pseudonym @PidomNigeria, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on August 5, 2024.
His arrest and subsequent inhumane treatment in police custody has ignited a public outcry, leading to the trending #FreePidom campaign.
Bristol, well-known for exposing high-profile corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria, had over 200,000 followers on X.
His sudden disappearance from the platform on August 15, 2024, after a bail document surfaced identifying him as “Bristol Isaac,” raised concerns about his safety. The whistleblower had gone silent for several days, prompting widespread calls for his release across social media.
An intervention team, including activists and journalists Omoyele Sowore, David Hundeyin, Raphael Adebayo, Deji Adeyanju, and Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), helped confirm Bristol’s whereabouts.
On Friday, August 23, 2024, it was discovered that Bristol had been tracked by the National Cybercrime Center (NCCC) and taken to a police anti-kidnapping unit, where he endured solitary confinement for at least six days before being transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja.
According to Adeyanju, who met Bristol in custody, the arrest was carried out by about 15 police officers dressed in civilian clothing. “They broke into his house and dragged him away like a criminal,” Adeyanju revealed. “He was thrown into a hole somewhere in an anti-kidnapping unit and denied food, water, and human contact. He was in solitary confinement for at least six days, with handcuffs on throughout.”
Bristol was reportedly still wearing the same clothes he had on during his abduction for 18 days, a sign of the poor treatment he endured. Despite the conditions of his detention, Bristol expressed resilience during interactions with the intervention team.
The police had reportedly set stringent bail conditions, demanding two high-ranking civil servants with properties worth at least ₦500 million in Abuja as sureties for his release.
David Hundeyin, who has been vocal about Bristol’s situation, confirmed the police’s plan to arraign him in court next week, stating, “We are requesting a copy of his charge sheet so that a bail application can be prepared. Nigerians must keep the pressure on so that this goalpost does not shift.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force issued a statement through its spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, justifying the arrest. Bristol, they claimed, was apprehended for “committing serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations.” The police cited allegations of cybercrime, unlawful possession of classified documents, and other cyber-related offenses. “We will do due diligence in carrying out a thorough investigation into the cases,” the police said, while also stressing their commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring national security.
As of now, public advocacy continues to grow in support of Bristol, with the hashtag #FreePidom dominating conversations online. The whistleblower’s arraignment is expected to take place next week.
