The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for a fair and transparent trial of Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, following her reported arrest, detention and sentencing over a Facebook post criticising the police.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, on October 22, 2026, the Union expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the case, saying it raises important questions about freedom of expression, personal liberty and due process.
According to reports, the incident began with a dispute over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale involving Farida’s mother and a neighbour. Her mother was reportedly arrested, while her father was also detained after going to secure her bail.
Farida subsequently went to the police station and was 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 taken before a court in Kawo and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million for defamation.
The Union said the intervention of lawyers prevented her immediate transfer to a correctional centre. She was subsequently granted bail, while a retrial has been scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Welcoming her release, the NUJ stressed that bail should not be mistaken for a resolution of the issues surrounding the case. It pledged to monitor developments and advocate for a fair and lawful judicial process.
The Union cited Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which protect personal liberty, the right to a fair hearing and freedom of expression. It emphasised that these rights apply to all Nigerians, not only journalists.
While acknowledging that journalists are not above the law, the NUJ maintained that defamation allegations must be handled in accordance with established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.
It called on the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Farida’s arrest and the reported detention of her parents. Any allegations of police misconduct, it said, should be addressed professionally and in accordance with the law.
The Union also urged the relevant judicial authorities to ensure appropriate scrutiny of the proceedings, including the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the initial trial and the legal basis for the reported sentence.
It further called on the police, government authorities and judicial institutions to respect citizens’ rights, protect journalists and recognise legitimate criticism as an essential part of democratic accountability.
The NUJ acknowledged the lawyers who helped secure Farida’s release on bail, but warned that access to justice should not depend on public attention or an individual’s ability to afford legal representation.
The Union reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and responsible journalism, stressing that protecting journalists is inseparable from safeguarding the public’s right to information.
It urged the authorities to ensure that the forthcoming retrial is conducted fairly and transparently, expressing solidarity with Farida and pledging to continue monitoring her case.
