The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Amnesty International have condemned the prosecution and sentencing of Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, over a Facebook post criticising the police. Isiak was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N1.75 million fine, by a Sharia Court in Kawo, Kaduna, following allegations of defamation. The organisations made their positions public in statements issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, with the NUJ calling for an impartial retrial scheduled for November 3.
Dispute Over N100 Change
The incident reportedly began with a disagreement between Isiak’s mother and a neighbour over N100 change from a charcoal sale.
According to Amnesty International, the police arrested Isiak’s mother and later detained her father after he reportedly went to the station to secure his wife’s release.
Isiak subsequently presented herself at the police station after allegedly being urged to do so through the detention of her parents. Officers accused her of defaming the police in a Facebook post about the incident.
Amnesty International said Isiak deleted the post and apologised in an attempt to resolve the matter. However, she was subsequently prosecuted and sentenced by the court.
The organisation described the proceedings as a “sham trial” and accused the authorities of using the judicial system to intimidate journalists and discourage criticism of law enforcement agencies.
NUJ Calls for Fair Hearing
The NUJ welcomed Isiak’s release on bail following legal intervention but maintained that her release did not resolve the concerns surrounding her prosecution.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union called on judicial authorities in Kaduna State to examine the court proceedings, including the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the trial and the legal basis for the reported sentence.
The union also called for an impartial retrial, scheduled for November 3, with full respect for the journalist’s right to a fair hearing.
“While welcoming Farida’s release on bail, the NUJ stresses that this development must not be mistaken for the resolution of the issues surrounding her case,” the statement said.
The union further urged the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to ensure a transparent and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding Isiak’s arrest and the reported detention of her parents.
Amnesty International Demands Accountability
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the prosecution, alleging that the authorities had failed to address the police actions that reportedly triggered the incident.
In a statement published on its X account, the organisation said, “Clearly, police are weaponising the judicial system to punish Farida Isiak, instead of following due process of law.”
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It called on the authorities to discontinue the prosecution and investigate the conduct of the officers allegedly involved in the arrest and detention of Isiak and her parents.
The organisation also urged Nigerian authorities to stop using defamation charges and judicial proceedings to harass journalists and restrict reporting on alleged abuses by security agencies.
Press Freedom and the Right to Criticise Public Institutions
The NUJ cited Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, which address personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression.
While acknowledging that journalists are subject to the law, the union maintained that allegations of defamation must be handled in accordance with established legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.
“Criticism of the police or any other public institution should be addressed through lawful and appropriate procedures, not through actions that could discourage citizens from reporting misconduct or expressing legitimate grievances,” the statement added.
The NUJ also acknowledged the lawyers who intervened to secure Isiak’s bail, while expressing concern that access to justice should not depend on a person’s ability to obtain emergency legal representation.
