Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Kaduna Police Command has defended its handling of journalist Farida Isiak’s defamation case, saying her Facebook post contained comments directed at the police, an officer and his family.
The command’s response follows criticism of Isiak’s arrest and reported four-year prison sentence or option of a ₦1.75m fine over the social media post, with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) calling for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the command said the dispute should not be viewed solely as an attempt to restrict press freedom without considering the facts.
According to the police, the case arose from a Facebook post in which Isiak criticised the Nigeria Police Force and the Divisional Police Officer in Maraban Jos, while making remarks about the officer’s wife.
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 to 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.”
The police said the incident followed a disagreement between the parties after a request was made by the journalist, although the statement did not specify the nature of the request.
“The command maintains that the circumstances should be considered objectively and in their proper context, rather than being characterised solely as an attempt to suppress press freedom without a comprehensive assessment of the facts,” the statement read.
Hassan said the Commissioner of Police had personally intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution of the matter as part of efforts to maintain a constructive relationship between the police and journalists.
“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,” he said.
The command also criticised media reports that it said condemned the police without sufficient verification or an opportunity for officials to respond. It urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and balance when reporting allegations involving public institutions.
“The command therefore urges media organisations 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 added.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and citizens’ constitutional rights, the command said freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly and with due regard for the rights and reputations of others.
The controversy followed concerns raised by the NUJ over the reported sentencing of Isiak, 23, in connection with a Facebook post criticising the police’s handling of a dispute involving her parents.
According to the union, the incident began with a disagreement over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale involving Isiak’s mother and a neighbour. The NUJ said her mother was arrested, while her father was detained after visiting the police station to secure her bail. Isiak subsequently went to the station and was accused of defamation over her social media post. The union said she later deleted the post and apologised.
Isiak was subsequently granted bail following the intervention of lawyers, while a retrial was scheduled for November 3, 2026. The NUJ has urged the police to investigate the incident and called for the retrial to be conducted fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.
