Amnesty condemns four-year jail sentence for Kaduna journalist over Facebook post

Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and four-year prison sentence imposed on Farida Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna State, describing the action as an attempt to silence criticism of police misconduct.

According to Peoples Gazette, the controversy followed a dispute involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale.

Amnesty alleged that officers under Mararaban Jos Divisional Police Officer Usman Adamu detained Isiak’s parents to compel her appearance at the station.

“The situation began as a minor disagreement between her mother and a neighbour over a N100 change dispute during a sale of charcoal. Police officers initially arrested her mother and later detained her father when he went to secure her release, using their detention as leverage to force Farida to come to the police station,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation alleged that police subsequently accused Isiak of defamation over a Facebook post criticising their treatment of her parents.

A Sharia court in Kawo sentenced her to four years’ imprisonment or a ₦1.75 million fine.

However, the court later overturned the conviction following intervention by her lawyer, Mukhtar Abubakar, who challenged the proceedings.

Isiak subsequently pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.

Amnesty demanded the withdrawal of all charges and an independent investigation into the officers involved.

The case was adjourned until November 3.