Isaac Bristol, the alleged whistleblower behind the anonymous X account, PIDOM, is in critical condition while being held at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja.
His health has deteriorated rapidly following his abduction and alleged torture by the Nigeria Police Force on August 5.
A source within the FCID, who requested anonymity, disclosed to West Africa Weekly that Bristol’s condition is dire, with an immediate need for medical intervention to prevent permanent damage. “His index finger is severely injured and almost paralyzed. If he doesn’t receive treatment soon, he may lose the finger,” the source revealed.
Last week, reports surfaced that Bristol has been denied contact with his family, friends, and legal team. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, was blocked from visiting him on Saturday due to a “new directive” issued by the National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC). These actions have compounded his already deteriorating health, exacerbated by insufficient food, lack of medical care, and the denial of basic human rights.
Nigerians, along with Bristol’s family and Ijaw leaders, are demanding his immediate and unconditional release from police custody. They argue that under Nigerian law, every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yet, Bristol has been treated as if already condemned, with his fundamental rights and dignity blatantly disregarded.
