The Nigeria Union of Journalists and Amnesty International have condemned the prosecution of Kaduna-based journalist Farida Isiak, who was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N1.75m fine, over a Facebook post criticising the police.
The two organisations called for scrutiny of the court proceedings and raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the reported detention of her parents, with the NUJ demanding an impartial investigation and a fair retrial scheduled for November 3.
Isiak, 23, a reporter with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, was prosecuted after publishing a post about the alleged arrest of her mother and detention of her father following a dispute over N100 change from a charcoal sale.
The incident reportedly began with a dispute over N100 change from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour.
Her mother was allegedly arrested, and her father was reportedly detained after going to secure her bail. Isiak subsequently presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police in her Facebook post.
She was released on bail after lawyers intervened.
According to the NUJ, she deleted the post and apologised but was subsequently sentenced by a court in Kawo.
The union said lawyers intervened following the proceedings, preventing her immediate transfer to a correctional centre. She was later granted bail.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, on Thursday, the NUJ welcomed her release but warned that it did not resolve the issues surrounding the case.
“While welcoming Farida’s release on bail, the NUJ stresses that this development must not be mistaken for the resolution of the issues surrounding her case,” the statement said.
The union urged judicial authorities in Kaduna State to examine the proceedings, particularly “the jurisdiction of the court, the fairness of the initial proceedings and the legal basis for the reported sentence.”
It added that the 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 NUJ also called on the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to ensure an “impartial, transparent and professional investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Isiak’s arrest and the reported detention of her parents.
The union said the case had implications beyond the journalist, warning that legal proceedings following criticism of public officials required scrutiny.
“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,” it said.
Citing Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the NUJ said the provisions protect personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression.
It acknowledged that journalists were subject to the law, stating that “freedom of expression does not confer immunity from lawful consequences.” However, it insisted that defamation allegations must be handled in accordance with the law and constitutional safeguards.
The union further said public institutions should remain open to scrutiny, adding, “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.”
It also acknowledged the lawyers who helped secure Isiak’s bail, but warned against a system in which access to justice depended on emergency legal intervention or an individual’s ability to pay for representation.
“Every Nigerian deserves the protection of the law and a fair opportunity to defend their rights,” the statement said.
Also, Amnesty International Nigeria described the charges against the journalist as bogus and condemned what it called a rushed trial, demanding that the authorities discontinue the prosecution.
In a statement posted on its X account on Thursday, @AmnestyNigeria, the organisation said, “The Nigerian authorities must drop bogus charges and sham trial of journalist Farida Isiak who was arraigned before Sharia Court Division 1 Kawo Kaduna.”
Amnesty International condemned the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s prosecution, alleging that the authorities ignored the initial police actions that led to the incident.
The organisation said, “Clearly, police are weaponising the judicial system to punish Farida Isiak, instead of following due process of law.”
Amnesty International also disclosed that Isiak was released on bail on Wednesday evening, with further proceedings in the case scheduled for November 3.