PIDOM's Arrest: Police Harassments of Journalists Must End

PIDOM’s Arrest: Police Harassments of Journalists Must End

By Chinomso Momoh
August 26, 2024

The recent inhumane treatment meted out to Isaac Bristol, popularly known as @PIDOMNigeria, by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of justice and the rule of law.

Development Diaries reports that Bristol has been denied basic necessities such as food, water, and human contact since his arrest on 05 August, 2024.

There is clearly a disturbing pattern of abuse of power within the NPF, and also, this is a case of disrespect for the right to a free press by the President Bola Tinubu-led government.

It is quite disheartening how the police broke into Bristol’s home, dragging him away in the dead of night, according to media reports. This action suggests authoritarian regimes where the rule of law is often trampled upon.

According to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), security agencies intend to relocate Bristol to what they describe as a blacksite, away from the media and his legal representatives.

The number of Nigerian journalists being abducted is alarmingly high. Targeting and stifling journalists threatens the nation’s democracy from within and impedes the public’s right to information.

This action is totally condemnable, as it suppresses freedom of expression and obstructs the flow of information necessary for a functioning democracy.

In a democratic society, journalists must be allowed to operate without fear of intimidation or retaliation from the government.

Section 39 of Nigeria’s constitution guarantees that every person is entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. Also, section 35 of the constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty for every Nigerian

Development Diaries calls on the NPF to respect the rule of law in discharging its duties and release Bristol on bail.

We also call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to order his men to stop disregarding due process and the fundamental rights guaranteed to every Nigerian.