The Kaduna State Police Command has defended its handling of the case involving Nagarta Radio journalist, Farida Isiak, saying her Facebook post contained statements directed at the police force, an officer and his family.
The command said the incident should not be viewed solely as an attempt to suppress press freedom, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the dispute needed to be considered before conclusions were drawn.
The police stated this in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan on Thursday, following criticism of Isiak’s arrest and sentencing, including a call by the Nigeria Union of Journalists for an impartial investigation into the case.
According to the command, the matter arose from a Facebook post by Isiak containing comments about the Nigeria Police Force, the officer concerned and his family.
The command quoted the journalist as writing, “The police force is f***ed up that’s why they don’t end well. I’m going to tag you to this post so you know I’m talking about your wife, not so sorry to say, you married wrong. Maraban Jos DPO, I’m not sorry to say, you’ve failed as a leader.”
It said the incident followed a disagreement between the parties after a request was made by the journalist, but did not specify the nature of the request or provide further details about the disagreement.
“The command maintains that the circumstances should be considered objectively and in their proper context, rather than being characterised solely as an attempt to suppress press freedom without a comprehensive assessment of the facts,” the statement read.
The police also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had intervened to resolve the matter, saying the move was part of efforts to maintain cordial relations between the command and journalists.
“In the spirit of mutual respect, professionalism, and the cordial relationship between the Kaduna State Police Command and members of the media, the Commissioner of Police personally intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution of the matter since yesterday,” Hassan said.
The command expressed concern over reports it said condemned the police without adequate verification or an opportunity for the command to respond.
“The command expresses concern over publications that condemn the police without adequate verification of the facts or efforts to obtain the command’s position,” it said, adding that such reports could create misleading impressions and damage the reputation of the police and the people involved.
The command urged journalists to ensure that reports involving allegations against public institutions were thoroughly checked before publication.
“The command therefore urges media organisations and practitioners to uphold the fundamental principles of accuracy, fairness, balance, and responsible journalism.
“Allegations should be thoroughly verified, and all relevant parties should be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before reports are published,” the statement read.
It added that responsible reporting was necessary to promote public confidence and constructive engagement between the media and law enforcement agencies.
“The command believes that these principles are essential to promoting public trust, constructive engagement, and mutual respect between law enforcement agencies and the media,” it said.
While reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the police stressed that the right to express opinions should be exercised with consideration for other people’s rights and reputations.
“The Kaduna State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the constitutional rights of citizens, and maintaining a professional and productive relationship with the media,” the statement read.
“While recognising the indispensable role of the press in a democratic society, the Command emphasises that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the rights and reputations of others and in accordance with applicable laws,” it added.
The command said it remained open to engagement with journalists and other stakeholders in the interest of peace, security and justice in Kaduna State.
The development follows concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists over reports that Isiak, 23, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of N1.75m for defamation over a Facebook post criticising the police treatment of her parents.
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 subsequently presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post about the reported treatment of her parents. She reportedly deleted the post and apologised.
She was later granted bail following the intervention of lawyers, while a retrial was scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The NUJ had called on the Kaduna State Police Command to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and urged judicial authorities to ensure that the retrial was conducted fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.