NUJ, Amnesty International Condemn Arrest, Sentencing of Kaduna Journalist

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Amnesty International have condemned the arrest, detention and reported sentencing of 23-year-old Farida Isiak, a journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, describing the incident as a threat to press freedom, freedom of expression and the rule of law.

The two organisations expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Isiak’s ordeal, which reportedly began with a disagreement between her mother and a neighbour over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale.

According to reports, the dispute led to the arrest of Isiak’s mother by the police, while her father was also detained after visiting the police station to secure his wife’s release.

Isiak subsequently went to the police station after learning about her parents’ detention but was allegedly accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post in which she criticised the treatment of her family.

Although she reportedly deleted the post and apologised, the journalist was subsequently taken before a Sharia Court in Kawo, Kaduna State, where she was reportedly sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or an alternative fine of ₦1.75 million on defamation charges.

However, intervention by lawyers following the court proceedings prevented her immediate transfer to a correctional centre, and she was subsequently granted bail.
A retrial has been scheduled for November 3, 2026.

In its statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the NUJ, through its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a matter of serious public interest involving personal liberty, due process and the protection of citizens against the possible misuse of public authority.

The Union welcomed Isiak’s release on bail but stressed that the development did not resolve the fundamental questions surrounding her arrest, the reported detention of her parents and the initial court proceedings.

It called on the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident, particularly the allegations concerning the conduct of police personnel.

The NUJ also urged the relevant judicial authorities to ensure that the forthcoming retrial was conducted fairly, with appropriate scrutiny of the court’s jurisdiction, the initial proceedings and the legal basis for the reported sentence.

The Union emphasised that Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantee personal liberty, the right to fair hearing and freedom of expression, respectively.

It maintained that although journalists are not above the law and must practice responsibly, allegations of defamation should be handled in accordance with established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.

According to the NUJ, criticism of public institutions should be addressed through lawful and appropriate channels rather than actions that could discourage citizens from reporting alleged misconduct or expressing legitimate grievances.

The Union further called on the police, government institutions and judicial authorities to strengthen their commitment to protecting journalists and upholding the fundamental rights of Nigerians, regardless of their social or professional status.

It acknowledged the intervention of lawyers who helped secure Isiak’s release on bail, noting that access to justice should not depend on public attention, last-minute legal intervention or an individual’s ability to afford legal representation.

Similarly, Amnesty International strongly condemned what it described as the arbitrary arrest, detention and hasty sentencing of the journalist, alleging that the actions were intended to punish her for criticising the police and drawing attention to the treatment of her parents.

The international human rights organisation described the reported four-year prison sentence as a travesty of justice, arguing that the proceedings raised serious concerns about the misuse of police powers and the judicial system to suppress freedom of expression.

Amnesty International alleged that police officers detained Isiak’s parents to pressure her into presenting herself at the station, describing the action as an unlawful tactic that violated the rule of law.

The organisation further maintained that Isiak’s decision to question the treatment of her parents was an exercise of her right to seek accountability from public authorities.

It called on the Kaduna State Police Command and Nigerian judicial authorities to ensure her immediate release, drop the charges against her and cancel the fine imposed by the court.

Amnesty International also demanded a full and independent investigation into the conduct of the police officers involved in the incident, urging Nigerian authorities to stop using defamation charges and judicial processes to harass journalists and restrict press freedom.

Both organisations stressed that the protection of journalists is inseparable from the protection of citizens’ rights to express their views, question public institutions and demand accountability.

While the NUJ called for fairness, restraint and due process ahead of the scheduled retrial, Amnesty International maintained that the reported circumstances of Isiak’s arrest and sentencing required urgent intervention by the relevant authorities.

The organisations’ positions underscore the need for transparency, accountability and respect for constitutional rights in the handling of cases involving journalists and other citizens who criticise public officials.

As the November 3 retrial approaches, the NUJ has pledged to continue monitoring the case and advocating for a fair judicial process, while Amnesty International has called for the charges to be dropped and the alleged police misconduct independently investigated.