The investigating police officer (IPO) handling the cybercrime case against Isaac Bristol, known as PIDOMNigeria, has reportedly failed to provide him with necessary medical care, the FIJ has learned.
The officer, whose identity remains unknown at this time, has also instructed police personnel at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, where Bristol is detained, to prevent him from communicating with visitors.
On Friday afternoon, a source who managed to gain access to Bristol reported to FIJ that the police barred him from speaking with visitors. The source requested anonymity, fearing potential reprisals.
“When he saw me from inside the cell, he appeared to go back in to retrieve something for me,” the source explained. “But the policeman at the counter stopped him, shouting at him to return to the cell gate. He allowed Bristol out but only to collect food, insisting I couldn’t speak with him unless I first spoke with his IPO. He refused to provide the IPO’s name or contact information, and didn’t allow Bristol to do so either.”
The source added that Bristol appeared emaciated and in worse condition than during their previous visit. His injured finger, they said, seemed more severe.
An insider within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), who is familiar with the case, confirmed that the IPO was aware of Bristol’s deteriorating health but refused to take him to a hospital. The insider also revealed that Uche Henry, the Director of the NPF National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC), approved these actions.
On Friday, FIJ contacted Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, who stated that he was unaware of any illness but would seek information from Henry and follow up on the matter.
Bristol was reportedly abducted by the NPF-NCCC from a hotel room in Rivers State on August 5. He was held incommunicado in harsh conditions for six days before being transferred to the FCID in Abuja, where he has remained since. Bristol faces charges including cybercrime, terrorism financing, and breach of the Official Secrets Act (OSA), among other allegations.
