The Kaduna State Police Command has defended its handling of the case involving Nagarta Radio journalist Farida Isiak, stating that her Facebook post contained remarks aimed at the police force, an officer, and his family.
The command stated that the incident should not be seen purely as an effort to stifle press freedom, maintaining that the circumstances surrounding the dispute needed to be taken into account before conclusions were reached.
The police made this known in a statement signed on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, following criticism of Isiak’s arrest and sentencing, including a call by the Nigeria Union of Journalists for an impartial investigation into the matter.
According to the command, the matter stemmed from a Facebook post by Isiak that contained comments about the Nigeria Police Force, the officer involved, and his family.
The command quoted the journalist as writing, “The police force is f***ed up; that’s why they don’t end well.” I’m going to tag you on this post so you know I’m talking about your wife, not so sorry to say, you married wrong. Maraban Jos DPO, I’m not sorry to say, you’ve failed as a leader.”
It stated that the incident followed a disagreement between the parties after a request was made by the journalist but did not specify the nature of the request or provide further details about the disagreement.
“The command maintains that the circumstances should be considered objectively and in their proper context, rather than being characterized solely as an attempt to suppress press freedom without a comprehensive assessment of the facts,” the statement read.
The police further revealed that the Commissioner of Police had stepped in to settle the issue, stating that the action was part of efforts to keep relations between the command and journalists cordial.
“In the spirit of mutual respect, professionalism, and the cordial relationship between the Kaduna State Police Command and members of the media, the Commissioner of Police personally intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution of the matter since yesterday,” Hassan said.
The police expressed concern over reports; it said they condemned the command without adequate verification or an opportunity for the command to respond.
“The command expresses concern over publications that condemn the police without adequate verification of the facts or efforts to obtain the command’s position,” it said, adding that such reports could create misleading impressions and damage the reputation of the police and the people involved.
The command called on journalists to ensure that reports involving allegations against public institutions were thoroughly checked before publication.
“The command therefore urges media organizations and practitioners to uphold the fundamental principles of accuracy, fairness, balance, and responsible journalism.
“Allegations should be thoroughly verified, and all relevant parties should be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before reports are published,” the statement read.
It further stated that responsible reporting was essential for fostering public confidence and constructive engagement between the media and law enforcement agencies.
It said, “The command believes that these principles are essential to promoting public trust, constructive engagement, and mutual respect between law enforcement agencies and the media.”
While reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the police emphasized that the right to express opinions should be exercised with regard for the rights and reputations of others.
“The Kaduna State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the constitutional rights of citizens, and maintaining a professional and productive relationship with the media,” the statement read.
“While recognizing the indispensable role of the press in a democratic society, the Command emphasizes that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the rights and reputations of others and in accordance with applicable laws,” it added.
The command stated that it remained open to engagement with journalists and other stakeholders in the interest of peace, security, and justice in Kaduna State.
This development comes after concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists regarding reports that Isiak, 23, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of N1.75m for defamation over a Facebook post criticizing how the police treated her parents.
According to the NUJ, the incident reportedly started with a dispute over an N100 change from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbor. Her mother was reportedly arrested, while her father was detained after he went to the police station to secure her bail.
The union said Isiak later presented herself at the police station and was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post about the reported treatment of her parents. She reportedly deleted the post and apologized.
She was later granted bail following the intervention of lawyers, while a retrial was scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The NUJ had called on the Kaduna State Police Command to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and urged judicial authorities to ensure that the retrial was conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.
