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PIDOM Lawyers Sue Police Over 23-Day Detention
PIDOM Lawyers Sue the Police for Failing To Charge Him to Court for 23 Days
iexclusivenews – In a stunning development, PIDOM lawyers representing Isaac Bristol, the alleged whistleblower and leak journalist known as PIDOMNigeria, have initiated a shocking legal action against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The lawsuit, filed Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to secure Bristol’s release after an astonishing 23 days of detention without formal charges.
The legal team, led by prominent Abuja-based attorney Deji Adeyanju, has submitted an ex parte motion that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s legal circles.
This bold move by PIDOM lawyers comes in response to what they claim is a flagrant violation of Bristol’s constitutional rights and a blatant disregard for due process.
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Court documents monitored exclusively on FIJ by iexclusivenews reveal that the motion filed by PIDOM lawyers aims to declare Bristol’s detention illegal and demands his immediate release on bail.
The lawyers argue that this action is crucial to uphold the fundamental legal principle of presumption of innocence, which remains in effect until a court of competent jurisdiction issues a guilty verdict.
The case stems from a dramatic series of events that unfolded on August 5, when the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) allegedly abducted Bristol from a hotel in Rivers State.
In a move that has raised serious questions about police conduct, Bristol was reportedly held incommunicado for six days before being transported to Abuja.
Since then, he has been confined at the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), cut off from his family and legal representation.
PIDOM Lawyers Challenge Extended Detention
The shocking duration of Bristol’s detention without formal charges has become a central focus of the lawsuit filed by PIDOM lawyers.
Section 35 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) clearly stipulates that individuals must be brought before a judge within 24 to 48 hours of arrest.
PIDOM lawyers argue that the police’s failure to adhere to this constitutional requirement is a gross violation of Bristol’s rights and sets a dangerous precedent for law enforcement practices in Nigeria.
The list of respondents named in the motion is extensive, including high-ranking officials such as the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioners of Police in FCT Abuja and Rivers, the Attorney General of the Federation, the State Security Service, the National Security Adviser, and even the Nigerian Army.
This wide-ranging inclusion suggests the far-reaching implications of the case and the potential for systemic issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement and security apparatus.
PIDOM Lawyers Allege Mistreatment
Perhaps most shocking are the allegations of mistreatment that have emerged during Bristol’s extended detention.
Earlier reports by iexclusivenews revealed disturbing claims of torture, isolation, and starvation inflicted upon Bristol by the police.
These accusations have not only intensified public scrutiny of police practices but have also raised serious concerns about the state of human rights in Nigeria.
The toll on Bristol’s health has reportedly been severe, with particular attention drawn to an injured finger that has gone untreated during his time in custody.
These claims of physical abuse and medical neglect have added a heightened sense of urgency to the legal proceedings and have fueled public outrage over the case.
PIDOM Lawyers vs. Police
As the legal battle unfolds, the police have leveled serious accusations against Bristol, including charges of cybercrime, treasonable felony, breach of the Official Secrets Act, and even terrorism financing.
However, the failure to formally present these charges in court within the constitutionally mandated timeframe has cast doubt on the legitimacy of Bristol’s continued detention.
The shocking lawsuit filed by PIDOM lawyers represents not just a fight for one man’s freedom, but a broader challenge to what many see as systemic abuses of power within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.
As the case progresses, it is likely to spark intense debate about the balance between national security concerns and individual rights, as well as the accountability of police forces in the digital age.
With public interest in the case at an all-time high, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court in Abuja as it considers this shocking lawsuit brought by PIDOM lawyers.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications for police practices, constitutional rights, and the future of whistleblowing in Nigeria.
As developments continue to unfold, iexclusivenews will provide ongoing coverage of this shocking legal battle that has captured the nation’s attention.
The actions of PIDOM lawyers in this case highlight the critical role of legal advocates in protecting individual rights and challenging potential abuses of power.
As the lawsuit proceeds, it will undoubtedly serve as a test case for the strength of Nigeria’s judicial system and its ability to hold law enforcement accountable.