NUJ Advocates for Farida Isiak's Justice in Kaduna Case

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for justice and protection of press freedom regarding Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State. Isiak was reportedly sentenced to four years' imprisonment for defamation due to a Facebook post criticizing the police.

The NUJ, in a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, expressed serious concerns about the circumstances of Isiak's arrest and sentencing, which stemmed from a dispute involving her mother and a neighbor over a N100 change from a charcoal sale. Following her mother's arrest, Isiak presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police.

Despite deleting the post and apologizing, she was sentenced in Kawo, Kaduna State, to four years in prison or a fine of N1.75 million. After legal intervention, she was granted bail, with a retrial scheduled for November 3.

The NUJ emphasized the need for a fair judicial process and adherence to constitutional protections for freedom of expression.