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 arrest, detention, and sentencing related to a Facebook post that criticized the police.

The Kaduna State Police Command stated 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 involving Isiak's mother over a N100 balance from a charcoal sale, which led to her mother's arrest and Isiak's subsequent involvement. After presenting herself at the police station, Isiak was accused of defaming the police due to her Facebook post about her parents' treatment.

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 has urged judicial authorities to review the court's jurisdiction and the fairness of the proceedings.