Amnesty International Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government to release whistleblower, Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM or charge him to court according to the law of the country.
The social media activist, who operates via an official X account, “99% oppressed”, was arrested on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room in Rivers State.
Speaking on Saturday on their official X account, Amnesty International said the Nigerian government must operate within the laws by granting him access to his family and legal assistance.
The group said, “The Nigerian authorities must abide by the rule of law at all times — including in the case of whistleblower PIDOM. He must be provided with prompt access to family and adequate legal assistance, charge him to court or release him from detention immediately.
“Torture and ill-treatment are prohibited under international law — in all cases. Detainees are entitled to the rights and standards enshrined in international law.
Officials from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) on Friday, confirmed the arrest of Bristol in his hotel room in Rivers State.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobion said he was arrested on allegations of “committing serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations”.
Olumuyiwa added that there were several allegations levelled against the suspect, including unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, cyber-related offences, and others.
“We will do due diligence in carrying out a thorough investigation into the cases.” he said
He further added that the force will leave no stone unturned to continually enforce the law and bequeath to Nigerians a more secure nation.
The confirmation comes after investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, revealed that the anonymous whistleblower on X.com, 99% Oppressed, who tweets as #PIDOMNIGERIA, is alive in police custody and will be arraigned in court next week.
Charge PIDOM To Court Or Release Him Immediately, Amnesty International Tells FG is first published on The Whistler Newspaper