NUJ Demands Justice for Kaduna Journalist Sentenced to Four-Year Over Facebook Post

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded justice and a fair hearing for Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, following her reported arrest, detention and sentencing to four years' imprisonment over a Facebook post criticising the police.

The Union, in a press statement issued on Thursday, October 22, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Isiak's ordeal, warning that the case raises serious questions about freedom of expression, personal liberty, due process and the protection of journalists from possible intimidation.

According to reports, the incident stemmed from a dispute involving ₦100 change from a charcoal sale between Isiak's mother and a neighbour. Her mother was reportedly arrested, while her father was also detained after going to the police station to secure her bail.

Isiak subsequently presented herself at the police station but was allegedly accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post concerning the reported treatment of her parents.

Although she reportedly deleted the post and apologised, she was subsequently arraigned before a court in Kawo and sentenced to four years' imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million for defamation.

Her immediate transfer to a correctional centre was reportedly prevented following the intervention of lawyers. She was later granted bail, while a retrial was scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Reacting to the development, the NUJ welcomed her release on bail but insisted that it did not resolve the fundamental issues surrounding the case.

The Union said it would continue to monitor proceedings and advocate for a transparent, lawful and impartial judicial process.

Citing Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the NUJ stressed that the rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression were fundamental safeguards in a democratic society.

It, however, acknowledged that journalists were not above the law, noting that freedom of expression did not exempt anyone from lawful consequences.

The Union maintained that allegations of defamation must be handled in accordance with the law, with due regard for constitutional protections and the rights of all parties.

The NUJ expressed particular concern over the implications of the case for press freedom, warning that criminal proceedings against journalists following criticism of public officials must be carefully scrutinised to prevent the legal process from becoming a tool of intimidation.

It stressed that public institutions, including the police, must remain open to legitimate scrutiny, adding that complaints about alleged misconduct should be addressed through lawful procedures rather than actions capable of discouraging citizens from speaking out.

Consequently, the Union called on the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, to ensure an impartial and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding Isiak's arrest and the reported detention of her parents.

It also urged the relevant judicial authorities in Kaduna State to ensure that the proceedings receive appropriate scrutiny, particularly regarding the court's jurisdiction, the fairness of the initial proceedings and the legal basis for the reported sentence.

The Union further emphasised that the November 3 retrial must be conducted without intimidation or prejudice, giving Isiak a fair opportunity to present her defence.

The NUJ also called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the exercise of police powers remained within constitutional and legal boundaries, while urging all tiers of government, law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions to strengthen their commitment to protecting journalists and the fundamental rights of citizens.

According to the Union, freedom of expression is not exclusive to journalists but belongs to every Nigerian, including traders, students, workers and parents who seek accountability from public authorities.

It acknowledged the intervention of lawyers who helped secure Isiak's release on bail, describing their action as a reminder of the importance of an independent legal profession and an active civil society in protecting fundamental rights.

However, the Union warned that access to justice should not depend on public attention, last-minute legal intervention or an individual's ability to afford expensive legal representation.

The statement, signed by NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Union's commitment to defending press freedom, promoting responsible journalism and resisting unlawful attempts to intimidate journalists or suppress legitimate expression.

It maintained that protecting journalists was inseparable from protecting the public's right to know, warning that intimidation of media professionals could threaten the democratic space available to all Nigerians.

The NUJ called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Isiak's arrest, the reported detention of her parents and the initial court proceedings were addressed through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

It said the forthcoming retrial must inspire public confidence in the administration of justice, stressing that the case goes beyond one journalist to the protection of the constitutional rights of all Nigerians.

The Union reaffirmed its solidarity with Isiak and pledged to continue monitoring developments in the case while providing appropriate support within its capacity and mandate.