The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has expressed concern over the arrest, detention and sentencing of 23-year-old Farida Isiak, a journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State.
The development followed a Facebook post in which she reportedly criticised the police over their treatment of her parents.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, said in a statement issued on Thursday that the circumstances surrounding Farida’s ordeal raised fundamental questions about freedom of expression, personal liberty, due process and the protection of citizens against the possible misuse of public authority.
“The Union considers the circumstances surrounding Farida’s ordeal a matter of serious public interest, raising fundamental questions about freedom of expression, personal liberty, due process and the protection of citizens against the possible misuse of public authority.
“According to reports, the incident originated from a dispute involving ₦100 change from a charcoal sale between Farida’s mother and a neighbour. Her mother was reportedly arrested, and when her father went to secure her bail, he was also detained. Farida subsequently presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post concerning the reported treatment of her parents,” the statement said.
Abdullahi said Farida reportedly deleted the post and apologised but was subsequently taken before a court in Kawo and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million for defamation.
According to him, the intervention of lawyers following the reported proceedings prevented her immediate transfer to a correctional centre.
He added that she was subsequently granted bail, while a retrial had been scheduled for November 3, 2026.
While welcoming Farida’s release on bail, the NUJ stressed that the development should not be mistaken for a resolution of the issues surrounding her case.
The Union said it would continue to monitor developments and advocate for a fair, transparent and lawful judicial process.
Abdullahi cited Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which guarantees freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and receive and impart ideas and information without interference, subject to the Constitution and applicable laws.
“Sections 35 and 36 also protect personal liberty and the right to a fair hearing. These constitutional guarantees are fundamental to a democratic society. They protect not only journalists but every Nigerian who wishes to express an opinion, question the conduct of public institutions or seek redress for an alleged injustice,” he said.
The NUJ acknowledged that journalists were not above the law and that freedom of expression did not confer immunity from lawful consequences.
However, it maintained that allegations of defamation must be handled in accordance with the law, with due regard for constitutional safeguards, the rights of all parties and the requirements of a fair hearing.
The Union said it was particularly concerned about the implications of the case for press freedom and the safety of journalists.
It stressed that whenever a journalist faced criminal proceedings following criticism of public officials, the circumstances should be carefully examined to ensure that lawful accountability was not undermined and that the legal process did not become a source of intimidation.
“Public institutions must remain open to legitimate scrutiny. Criticism of the police or any other public institution should be addressed through lawful and appropriate procedures, not through actions that could discourage citizens from reporting misconduct or expressing legitimate grievances,” the statement added.
The Union maintained that protecting journalists was inseparable from protecting the public’s right to know.
It noted that when journalists faced intimidation for reporting on matters of public interest or expressing legitimate concerns, the consequences extended beyond the individuals concerned and threatened the democratic space available to all citizens.
The NUJ, therefore, called for fairness, restraint, accountability and respect for due process in handling Farida’s case.
It said her release on bail was welcome but stressed that the forthcoming retrial must be conducted in a manner that inspired public confidence in the administration of justice.
The Union also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding her arrest, the reported detention of her parents and the initial court proceedings were addressed through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
NUJ demands justice, fair hearing, protection of press freedom in Farida Isiak's case