The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an impartial investigation into the arrest and reported four-year prison sentence of Nagarta Radio journalist Farida Isiak over a Facebook post criticising the police treatment of her parents in Kaduna State.
The union also urged judicial authorities to ensure a fair hearing during Isiak’s retrial, scheduled for November 3, 2026, while demanding an explanation from the police over the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the reported detention of her parents.
In a statement on Thursday, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Abdullahi, said Isiak, 23, was reportedly sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of N1.75m for defamation over the Facebook post.
She was subsequently granted bail following the intervention of lawyers, who prevented her immediate transfer to a correctional centre.
Abdullahi said her release had not resolved the concerns surrounding the case, particularly its implications for freedom of expression, personal liberty and the treatment of journalists who criticise public institutions.
“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,” the statement read.
According to the NUJ, the incident reportedly began with a dispute over N100 change from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour.
Her mother was reportedly arrested, while her father was detained after going to the police station to secure her bail.
The union said Isiak later presented herself at the police station, where she was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post about the alleged treatment of her parents.
She reportedly deleted the post and apologised before the court proceedings that led to her sentence.
The NUJ said the case required careful scrutiny to ensure that the allegations were handled lawfully and that the rights of all parties were protected.
“Although journalists are not above the law and freedom of expression does not confer immunity from lawful consequences, 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,” it said.
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The union expressed concern that criminal proceedings against journalists following criticism of public officials could discourage citizens from reporting alleged misconduct.
“Where a journalist faces criminal proceedings following criticism of the conduct of public officials, it is essential that the circumstances be examined carefully to ensure that lawful accountability is not undermined and that the legal process does not become a source of intimidation,” the statement added.
It called on the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident, including the reported detention of Isiak’s parents and any questions concerning the conduct of police personnel.
The union also urged judicial authorities to review the circumstances of the initial proceedings, including the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the process and the legal basis for the reported sentence.
It said the November 3 retrial should give Isiak the opportunity to present her defence without intimidation or prejudice.
The NUJ cited Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantee personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression, respectively.
According to the union, these protections apply to all Nigerians, not just journalists, and cover citizens who wish to express their opinions, question public institutions or seek redress over alleged injustice.
“The right to freedom of expression belongs to every Nigerian.
“It is the right of the market trader who complains about misconduct, the student who questions wrongdoing, the worker who challenges injustice and the parent who demands accountability from public authorities,” the statement read.
The union called on governments, law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions to strengthen protections for journalists and uphold citizens’ fundamental rights.
It also acknowledged the lawyers who intervened to secure Isiak’s bail but warned against a justice system in which access to legal protection depends on public attention or the availability of legal representation.
“Access to justice should not depend on the availability of last-minute legal intervention, public attention or the ability of an individual to afford expensive legal representation.
“Every Nigerian deserves the protection of the law and a fair opportunity to defend their rights,” the NUJ said.
The union said it would continue to monitor the case and provide support within its capacity, adding that the outcome of the retrial would be important to public confidence in the administration of justice.
“Protecting Farida is not merely about defending one journalist.
“It is about upholding the constitutional rights of every Nigerian and preserving a democratic society in which citizens can question authority, demand accountability and seek justice without fear of unlawful punishment,” the statement read.
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