NUJ, AMNESTY CONDEMN FOUR-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE FOR KADUNA JOURNALIST. (PHOTO).

 NUJ, Amnesty Condemn Four-Year Jail Sentence For Kaduna Journalist

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Amnesty International have condemned the prosecution of Kaduna-based journalist Farida Isiak, who was sentenced to four years in prison, with an option of a N1.75m fine, over a Facebook post criticising the police.

The organisations called for a review of the court proceedings, expressing concerns about the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the reported detention of her parents. The NUJ also demanded an impartial investigation and a fair retrial scheduled for November 3.

Isiak, 23, a reporter with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, was prosecuted after publishing a Facebook post about the alleged arrest of her mother and the detention of her father following a dispute over N100 change from a charcoal sale.

The incident reportedly started when Isiak’s mother had a disagreement with a neighbour over the change. Her mother was allegedly arrested, while her father was reportedly detained after visiting the police station to secure her bail.

Isiak later presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police in her Facebook post. She was subsequently released on bail following the intervention of lawyers.

According to the NUJ, the journalist deleted the post and apologised but was later sentenced by a court in Kawo, Kaduna State.

The union said legal representatives intervened after the proceedings, preventing her immediate transfer to a correctional centre. She was later granted bail.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ welcomed Isiak’s release but stressed that her bail did not resolve the concerns surrounding the case.

The union urged judicial authorities in Kaduna State to review the proceedings, particularly the court’s jurisdiction, the fairness of the initial trial and the legal basis for the reported sentence.

It also called for the retrial to be conducted impartially, with full respect for Isiak’s right to a fair hearing and the opportunity to present her defence without intimidation or prejudice.

The NUJ further urged the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to ensure a transparent, professional and impartial investigation into the journalist’s arrest and the reported detention of her parents.

The union warned that the case had broader implications for press freedom and accountability, noting that criminal proceedings against journalists following criticism of public officials required careful scrutiny.

It stated that such cases must be examined to ensure that lawful accountability is protected and that legal processes are not used to intimidate journalists.

Citing Sections 35, 36 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the NUJ noted that the provisions guarantee personal liberty, the right to a fair hearing and freedom of expression.

While acknowledging that journalists were not above the law, the union maintained that allegations of defamation must be handled in accordance with legal procedures and constitutional protections.

It added that public institutions should remain open to scrutiny, stressing that criticism of the police and other government institutions should be addressed through lawful channels rather than actions capable of discouraging citizens from reporting misconduct or expressing legitimate concerns.

The NUJ also commended the lawyers who helped secure Isiak’s bail, warning that access to justice should not depend on emergency legal intervention or an individual’s ability to afford legal representation.

“Every Nigerian deserves the protection of the law and a fair opportunity to defend their rights,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria described the charges against Isiak as baseless and condemned what it called a rushed trial, calling on the authorities to discontinue the prosecution.

In a statement published on its X account on Thursday, the organisation urged Nigerian authorities to drop what it described as bogus charges and a sham trial against the journalist, who was arraigned before Sharia Court Division 1 in Kawo, Kaduna State.

Amnesty International criticised the circumstances surrounding the prosecution, alleging that the authorities had failed to address the police actions that initially triggered the incident.

The organisation accused the police of using the judicial system to punish Isiak instead of following due process.

Amnesty International also confirmed that the journalist was released on bail on Wednesday evening, with the next court proceedings scheduled for November 3.