Amnesty International Condemns Charges Against Farida Isiak

Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian police of weaponizing the judicial system against journalist Farida Isiak, a reporter with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna. Isiak was arrested on October 19 by police officers under the command of Divisional Police Officer Usman Adamu.

She was sentenced to four years' imprisonment by a Sharia court in Kawo, Kaduna State, with an option of a ₦1.7 million fine, due to a social media post regarding alleged police misconduct. Following her release on bail on October 21, Amnesty International expressed concern over the continuation of her trial, scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The organization argues that the ongoing proceedings indicate that Isiak is being punished for her outspoken criticism of police actions. Amnesty International has called for the Nigerian authorities to drop the charges against her, describing the trial as an attempt to silence her and a misuse of the judicial system.