Kaduna Journalist Farida Isiak Released on Bail, Fresh Trial Fixed for November 3

KADUNA, NIGERIA — Nagarta Radio journalist Farida Isiak has been released on bail after a Kaduna State court set aside her controversial four-year prison conviction.

The 23-year-old reporter was granted bail following a swift legal intervention by her counsel, who challenged the initial Sharia court proceedings on the grounds that she lacked legal representation and did not comprehend her plea.

The ordeal began around 10:00 p.m. on Monday, 20 October 2026. Officers acting under the direction of Usman Adamu, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mararaban Jos, took Isiak into custody.

According to reports, the incident originated from a minor neighborhood dispute involving Isiak’s mother over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale. Local police allegedly detained both of her parents to compel the young journalist to report to the station.

When Isiak arrived, she was accused of defaming the police in a Facebook post that criticized their handling of her parents’ detention. Despite complying with demands to delete the post and apologize, she was kept in custody.

Within 24 hours, authorities rushed Isiak before a Sharia court in Kawo, Kaduna, where the court handed down a harsh sentence of four years in prison or a fine of ₦1.75 million.

Human Rights Groups Condemn ‘Sham Trial’

Amnesty International Nigeria strongly welcomed her release on bail while heavily criticizing the swift prosecution. The rights organization described the entire process as “vindictive” and a flagrant abuse of power aimed at intimidating the press.

“Clearly, police are weaponizing the judicial system to punish Farida Isiak instead of following the due process of law,” the group stated, demanding that Nigerian authorities drop all lingering charges.

While the immediate threat of prison has been paused by the bail ruling, Isiak’s legal battles are not over.

The court has permitted her to enter a fresh plea, and the trial is scheduled to resume on November 3, 2026.