The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an impartial investigation into the arrest and prosecution of Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old Nagarta Radio journalist in Kaduna State, following reports that she was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment over a Facebook post criticising the police treatment of her parents.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, NUJ National President Alhassan Abdullahi urged the Kaduna State Police Command to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and called on judicial authorities to ensure a fair hearing during Isiak’s scheduled retrial on November 3.

Also read: Courtois reveals desire to retire at Real Madrid

According to the union, Isiak was reportedly sentenced to four years in prison or ordered to pay a fine of ₦1.75m for defamation.

She was subsequently granted bail following the intervention of lawyers, preventing her immediate transfer to a correctional facility.

The NUJ said her release had not resolved broader concerns about the handling of the case, particularly its implications for freedom of expression, personal liberty and the accountability of public institutions.

“The union considers the circumstances surrounding Farida’s ordeal a matter of serious public interest, raising fundamental questions about freedom of expression, personal liberty, due process and the protection of citizens against the possible misuse of public authority,” the statement said.

The union traced the reported dispute to an argument involving ₦100 in change from a charcoal sale between Isiak’s mother and a neighbour.

According to the NUJ, Isiak’s mother was subsequently arrested, while her father was reportedly detained after visiting the police station to secure her release on bail.

The union said Isiak later presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post describing the reported treatment of her parents.

She reportedly deleted the post and apologised before the court proceedings that led to her sentence.

The NUJ stressed that allegations of defamation must be addressed through lawful procedures, while recognising that journalists remain subject to the law.

“Although journalists are not above the law and freedom of expression does not confer immunity from lawful consequences, allegations of defamation must be handled in accordance with the law, with due regard for constitutional safeguards, the rights of all parties and the requirements of a fair hearing,” the union said.

The organisation warned that criminal proceedings against journalists following criticism of public officials could discourage citizens from reporting alleged misconduct or seeking redress.

It called on the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident, including the reported detention of Isiak’s parents and any questions concerning the conduct of police personnel.

The NUJ also urged judicial authorities to examine the circumstances of the initial proceedings, including the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the process and the legal basis for the reported sentence.

The union said the November 3 retrial should provide Isiak with a fair opportunity to present her defence without intimidation or prejudice.

In making its case, the NUJ cited Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which address personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression, respectively.

It emphasised that these constitutional protections extend beyond journalists to all Nigerians seeking to question public institutions, express opinions or challenge alleged injustice.

“The right to freedom of expression belongs to every Nigerian. It is the right of the market trader who complains about misconduct, the student who questions wrongdoing, the worker who challenges injustice and the parent who demands accountability from public authorities,” the statement added.

The union also expressed concern that access to justice could become dependent on public attention or the ability to secure legal representation, noting that lawyers had intervened to obtain Isiak’s release on bail.

“Access to justice should not depend on the availability of last-minute legal intervention, public attention or the ability of an individual to afford expensive legal representation. Every Nigerian deserves the protection of the law and a fair opportunity to defend their rights,” the NUJ said.

The organisation pledged to monitor the case and provide support within its capacity, adding that the outcome of the retrial would have implications for public confidence in the administration of justice.

The case has brought renewed attention to the balance between defamation laws, police accountability and constitutional protections for expression in Nigeria.

The circumstances of the initial proceedings and the legal basis for the reported sentence remain matters the union wants the relevant authorities to examine.

Also read: Courtois reveals desire to retire at Real Madrid

The NUJ maintained that a transparent investigation and fair retrial would be essential to ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected and that citizens can raise concerns about public institutions without fear of unlawful punishment.