NUJ Demands Justice For Journalist As Kaduna Police Clarify Case

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded justice and fair hearing for Farida Isiak, a journalist with Nagarta Radio, Kaduna, over her arrest, detention and sentencing over a Facebook post criticising the police.

The demand came as the Kaduna State Police Command defended its handling of the case, saying the commissioner of police had intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution.

In a statement signed yesterday by its national president, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ said Isiak, 23, had been released on bail, while a retrial had been scheduled for 3rd November, 2026.

According to the union, the incident began with a dispute over N100 balance from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour. Her mother was reportedly arrested, while her father was also detained after going to secure her bail.

The NUJ said Isiak subsequently presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post about the treatment of her parents.

It added that she reportedly deleted the post and apologised but was later sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million for defamation by a court in Kawo.

The NUJ also urged the relevant judicial authorities to examine the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the initial proceedings, and the legal basis for the reported sentence.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said the case arose from a Facebook post containing remarks directed at the Nigeria Police Force, the officer concerned and his family.

In a separate statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the incident followed a disagreement between the parties after the journalist’s request.

The command urged media organisations to verify allegations and seek responses from relevant parties before publication, warning that unverified reports could present a misleading account of events.

It said the Commissioner of Police had personally intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution, citing the need to maintain cordial relations between the police and the media.