The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Amnesty International have condemned the arrest and initial sentencing of 23-year-old Farida Isiak, a journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, following a Facebook post in which she criticised the police over the reported detention of her parents.
However, in a significant development on Thursday, a Sharia Court sitting in Kawo, Kaduna State, set aside Isiak’s initial conviction and four-year prison sentence after her lawyer challenged the proceedings. The court allowed her to enter a fresh plea, to which she pleaded not guilty, and subsequently granted her bail pending further proceedings.
The case has been adjourned until November 3, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to present its evidence.
The development followed concerns over the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s arrest, her initial court appearance and the legal representation available to her during the proceedings that led to the original sentence.
Dispute Over ₦100 Escalates Into Police Case
According to reports, the incident began on October 19 with a disagreement between Isiak’s mother and a neighbour over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale.
The dispute reportedly led to the arrest of Isiak’s mother. Her father was subsequently detained after visiting the police station to seek his wife’s release.
Isiak later went to the police station after learning about her parents’ detention. She was reportedly arrested on October 20 over a Facebook post in which she criticised the police’s handling of the incident.
Family sources cited by Premium Times alleged that police officers detained her parents to compel her to report to the station. They also alleged that she was made to delete the post and apologise.
The police reportedly accused the journalist of defamation over the publication, which concerned the treatment of her parents.
She was subsequently taken before a Sharia Court in Kawo on October 21, where she was initially sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or an alternative fine of ₦1.75 million.
Lawyer Challenges Proceedings
The case took a new turn following the intervention of Isiak’s lawyer, Mukhtar Abubakar, who challenged the circumstances under which the initial conviction was obtained.
Abubakar said his client had entered a guilty plea and been sentenced before her legal representatives arrived at the court.
The lawyer argued that Isiak had not been adequately represented and did not fully understand the implications of her plea. He said the legal team intervened to prevent her transfer to a correctional centre while challenging the proceedings.
Following the intervention, the court set aside the initial proceedings and conviction and allowed Isiak to enter a fresh plea.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail, with her father and other relatives reportedly expected to stand as sureties to ensure her attendance at subsequent court proceedings.
The development means that the initial four-year sentence is no longer in force following the court’s decision to set aside the conviction. The case remains pending, however, and the charges have not been finally resolved.
NUJ Demands Fair Hearing, Independent Investigation
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, through its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a matter of 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 questions surrounding her arrest, the reported detention of her parents and the initial court proceedings.
The NUJ 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.
It also urged the relevant judicial authorities to ensure that the case proceeds fairly, with due consideration given to the court’s jurisdiction, the circumstances surrounding the initial proceedings and the protection of Isiak’s legal rights.
The union referenced Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provide for personal liberty, the right to a fair hearing and freedom of expression, respectively.
While acknowledging that journalists are not above the law and must practise responsibly, the NUJ maintained that defamation allegations should be handled through established legal procedures and in accordance with constitutional safeguards.
It warned that actions taken against journalists who criticise public institutions could discourage citizens from reporting alleged misconduct or expressing legitimate grievances.
The union also commended the lawyers who intervened in Isiak’s case, noting that access to justice should not depend on public attention, last-minute legal intervention or an individual’s ability to afford legal representation.
Amnesty International Condemns Initial Sentence
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned Isiak’s arrest, detention and initial sentencing, describing the proceedings as punitive and raising concerns about the alleged use of police powers and the judicial system to restrict freedom of expression.
The human rights organisation described the initial four-year prison sentence or ₦1.75 million fine as a travesty of justice, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the proceedings raised serious concerns about the journalist’s right to a fair hearing.
Amnesty International alleged that police officers detained Isiak’s parents to pressure her into presenting herself at the station after she criticised their conduct on Facebook.
The organisation maintained that questioning the actions of public authorities and demanding accountability are legitimate exercises of freedom of expression.
It called on the authorities to drop the charges against Isiak and conduct a full, independent investigation into the conduct of the police officers involved in the incident.
The organisation also urged Nigerian authorities to stop using defamation allegations and judicial processes to harass journalists or restrict press freedom.
Although the court has now set aside the initial conviction and granted Isiak bail, Amnesty International’s concerns about the arrest, the alleged conduct of police personnel and the prosecution remain relevant as the case proceeds.
Police Conduct and Press Freedom Under Scrutiny
The case has renewed concerns about the relationship between law enforcement, freedom of expression and the protection of journalists in Nigeria.
Reports on the case have also highlighted questions about whether the journalist received adequate legal representation during her initial court appearance and whether the proceedings complied with the requirements of a fair hearing.
The NUJ has emphasised that public institutions must remain open to legitimate scrutiny and that allegations of misconduct should be addressed through lawful and appropriate procedures.
Amnesty International, meanwhile, has called for the charges to be dropped and the alleged police misconduct independently investigated.
The two organisations agree on the need to protect freedom of expression and prevent the misuse of public authority, although the NUJ has focused on a fair and transparent judicial process while Amnesty International has called for the prosecution to be discontinued.
Attention Turns to November 3 Hearing
With the initial conviction set aside, Isiak’s case is expected to return to court on November 3, 2026.
The prosecution is expected to present its evidence as the proceedings continue following her fresh plea of not guilty.
The NUJ has pledged to monitor the case and advocate for a fair judicial process, while Amnesty International continues to demand that the charges be dropped and the conduct of the officers involved be investigated.
The outcome of the proceedings will be closely watched by journalists, media organisations and rights advocates concerned about freedom of expression, police accountability and access to justice.
For now, Isiak remains on bail, and the allegations against her are yet to be finally determined by the court.
The case underscores the importance of due process, effective legal representation and respect for constitutional rights in proceedings involving journalists and other citizens who raise concerns about the conduct of public officials.