NUJ Demands Justice for Journalist Farida Isiak in Kaduna

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for justice and a fair hearing for Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna. This demand follows her reported arrest, detention, and sentencing due to a Facebook post that criticized the police.

The Kaduna State Police Command clarified that the Commissioner of Police intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution. Isiak has been released on bail, and a retrial is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The incident originated from a dispute over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbor, leading to her mother’s arrest and her father's detention while trying to secure bail for her. Isiak presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police.

Although she deleted the post and apologized, she was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million for defamation by a court in Kawo. The NUJ urged judicial authorities to review the court's jurisdiction and the fairness of the proceedings.