Former President of the Nigeria and African Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe, has called for strict adherence to due process in the fresh trial of Kaduna-based journalist Farida Isiak following her release on bail and the setting aside of her earlier conviction.
Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio, was arrested after publishing a Facebook post about the reported treatment of her parents by the police.
She was subsequently convicted and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦1.75 million. However, the conviction has since been set aside, and the case is being heard afresh, with proceedings scheduled to resume on 3 November 2026.
In a statement, Ogundipe welcomed the position of the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, who had called for a fair hearing and proper judicial consideration of the case.
Ogundipe said Isiak must be accorded full due process, including adequate legal representation and a fair opportunity to present her defence. He added that the prosecution should also be allowed to present its case in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the demand was not for special treatment because Isiak was a journalist, noting that journalists, like every other citizen, were subject to the law but equally entitled to its protections, including the fundamental right to a fair hearing.
According to him, the case highlights the importance of preserving the legitimate space for journalists to question, report on and scrutinise public institutions within the limits of the law.
He called for the fresh proceedings to be conducted fairly and independently, with the court determining the matter based on the evidence presented and the applicable law.
“The demand is simple: let Farida receive a fair hearing, let every party comply with due process, and let the court determine the case without interference,” Ogundipe said.
