The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an impartial investigation into the arrest and prosecution of Nagarta Radio journalist Farida Isiak, who was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of N1.75m over a Facebook post criticising the police.
The union also urged the judiciary to ensure a fair hearing at her retrial scheduled for November 3, 2026, and called on the police to account for the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the reported detention of her parents.
In a statement on Thursday, NUJ National President Alhassan Abdullahi said Isiak’s release on bail had not resolved concerns about 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 union, the incident reportedly began with a dispute over N100 balance from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour.
Her mother was subsequently arrested, while her father was detained after going to the police station to secure her release on bail.
The NUJ said Isiak later presented herself at the police station but was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post about the alleged treatment of her parents.
She deleted the post and apologised before court proceedings that resulted in her sentence.
The union said the 23-year-old journalist was later granted bail following the intervention of lawyers, who prevented her immediate transfer to a correctional centre.
It said the circumstances of the case required careful examination to ensure that the defamation allegations were handled in accordance with the law 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,” the statement said.
The NUJ expressed concern that criminal proceedings against journalists following criticism of public officials could discourage citizens from speaking out against alleged misconduct.
It said such cases required close scrutiny to determine whether legal proceedings were being used to intimidate those seeking accountability.
“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.
The union called on the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident, including the reported detention of Isiak’s parents and questions about the conduct of police personnel.
It also urged judicial authorities to examine the initial proceedings, including the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the process and the legal basis for the reported sentence.
The NUJ said the November 3 retrial should allow Isiak to present her defence without intimidation or prejudice.
Citing Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the union said the provisions guaranteed personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression.
It said the protections applied to all Nigerians, including citizens who question public institutions, express opinions 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 protect journalists and uphold the fundamental rights of citizens.
It also raised concerns about access to justice, saying legal protection should not depend on public attention or an individual’s ability to secure 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,” it said.
The NUJ said it would continue to monitor the case and provide support within its capacity, adding that the outcome of the retrial would have implications for 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 added.
