The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an impartial investigation into the reported arrest and detention of the parents of 23-year-old journalist, Farida Isiak, in Kaduna State, warning against the misuse of police powers to suppress legitimate criticism.
The union also demanded a fair and transparent retrial for Isiak, who was reportedly sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million over a Facebook post criticising the treatment of her parents by the police.
Isiak, a journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna, has since been granted bail, while her retrial is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, made the union’s position known in a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, expressing concern that the circumstances surrounding the case raise fundamental questions about freedom of expression, personal liberty and the right to a fair hearing.
According to the union, the incident reportedly began with a dispute over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour. Her mother was allegedly arrested, while her father was also detained after visiting the police station to secure her bail.
The statement said Isiak subsequently presented herself at the police station, where she was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post concerning the reported treatment of her parents.
Although she reportedly deleted the post and apologised, she was subsequently taken before a court in Kawo, Kaduna State, where she received the reported sentence.
The intervention of lawyers prevented her immediate transfer to a correctional centre, and she was subsequently released on bail.
Welcoming her release, the NUJ, however, stressed that the development did not resolve the concerns surrounding the case, adding that it would continue to monitor proceedings and advocate for justice.
The union cited Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provide safeguards for personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression.
It noted that these constitutional protections apply to all Nigerians, including citizens who question the conduct of public institutions or seek redress over alleged injustices.
While acknowledging that journalists are not above the law, the NUJ maintained that defamation allegations must be handled in accordance with due process and constitutional safeguards.
The union warned that criminal proceedings against journalists following criticism of public officials could have wider implications for press freedom if the circumstances are not carefully examined.
It urged the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State to ensure an impartial, transparent and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding Isiak’s arrest and the reported detention of her parents.
The NUJ also called on relevant judicial authorities to ensure that the forthcoming retrial receives appropriate scrutiny, particularly regarding the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the initial proceedings and the legal basis for the reported sentence.
It further urged the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that its officers exercise their powers within the limits of the law and that allegations of misconduct are addressed through established procedures.
The union called on governments, law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions to strengthen protections for journalists and uphold the fundamental rights of citizens.
It also acknowledged the lawyers who helped secure Isiak’s release, noting that access to justice should not depend on public attention, last-minute legal intervention or an individual’s ability to afford expensive legal representation.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting responsible journalism and opposing unlawful attempts to intimidate journalists or suppress legitimate expression.
It maintained that protecting journalists was inseparable from protecting the public’s right to know, warning that intimidation over legitimate criticism could undermine democratic accountability.
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The union urged the authorities to address the circumstances surrounding Isiak’s arrest, the reported detention of her parents and the initial court proceedings through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
It said the retrial must be conducted impartially and in a manner that strengthens public confidence in the administration of justice.
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