The union calls for a fair retrial and an impartial investigation into the reported detention of the journalist’s parents following a dispute over ₦100.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded a fair and transparent retrial for Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, following her reported sentencing over a Facebook post criticising the police.
The union has also called for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the reported detention of her parents, warning that the case raises serious questions about freedom of expression, due process and the exercise of police powers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 22 October, the NUJ said Isiak had been granted bail after the initial court proceedings were challenged, with a retrial scheduled for 3 November 2026.
According to the union, the incident reportedly began with a dispute over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour. Her mother was subsequently arrested, while her father was reportedly detained after visiting the police station to secure her release.
Isiak later took to Facebook to criticise the police over the reported treatment of her parents. The union said she subsequently presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police.
She reportedly deleted the post and apologised but was later sentenced by a court in Kawo to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million.
Her lawyer subsequently challenged the proceedings, arguing that she had entered a guilty plea without legal representation and did not fully understand its implications. The court later set aside the conviction and granted her bail pending further proceedings, according to reports by Premium Times.
The NUJ welcomed her release but stressed that it did not resolve the wider concerns surrounding the case.
It urged the Kaduna State Police Command to conduct a transparent and professional investigation into the reported detention of Isiak’s parents and any allegations of misconduct by police personnel.
The union also called on the relevant judicial authorities to ensure that the retrial is conducted impartially, with proper consideration of the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the initial proceedings and the legal basis for the sentence.
“The forthcoming retrial must be conducted impartially, with full respect for Farida’s right to a fair hearing and an opportunity to present her defence without intimidation or prejudice,” the union said.
The NUJ noted that Sections 35, 36 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, provide protections relating to personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression.
It acknowledged that journalists are not above the law and that freedom of expression does not exempt anyone from lawful consequences. However, it maintained that allegations of defamation must be handled in accordance with the law and with respect for the rights of all parties.
The union warned that criminal proceedings against journalists following criticism of public institutions could discourage citizens from raising legitimate concerns about alleged misconduct.
It urged the police, judicial authorities and other public institutions to uphold constitutional rights and ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are addressed through lawful and impartial procedures.
The NUJ also commended the lawyers who intervened to secure Isiak’s release, while stressing that access to justice should not depend on public attention or last-minute legal intervention.
The union said it would continue to monitor the case and support efforts to protect press freedom and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
Isiak’s retrial, scheduled for 3 November, is expected to bring renewed attention to the balance between defamation laws, police accountability and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The Kaduna State Police Command has separately defended its handling of the case, saying the Facebook post contained remarks directed at the police, the officer concerned and his family. The command said the Commissioner of Police had intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution.
The circumstances surrounding the case remain a matter of public interest, with the NUJ insisting that fairness, accountability and due process must guide the proceedings.
