Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the African Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe, has called for strict adherence to due process and the protection of the right to a fair hearing in the ongoing case involving Kaduna-based journalist Farida Isiak.
Ogundipe made the call in a press statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, following Isiak’s release on bail and the setting aside of her earlier conviction. He said attention had now shifted to the fresh proceedings scheduled to continue on November 3, 2026.
The former NUJ president stressed that the proceedings must be conducted fairly and independently, with all parties given the opportunity to present their cases in accordance with the law.
Isiak, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio, was reportedly arrested following a Facebook post concerning the alleged treatment of her parents by the police.
She was subsequently convicted and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or an option of a ₦1.75 million fine. However, according to Ogundipe, the earlier proceedings and conviction have since been set aside, and the case is now being heard afresh.
Ogundipe welcomed the position of NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, who called for a fair hearing and proper judicial consideration of the matter.
He maintained that Isiak should be provided with adequate legal representation and a fair opportunity to present her defence, while the prosecution should also be allowed to present its case in accordance with the law.
“My position is straightforward: Farida must be accorded full due process. She should have adequate legal representation and a fair opportunity to present her defence, while the prosecution should equally be allowed to present its case in accordance with the law,” he said.
The former union leader emphasised that the demand for fairness was not a request for special treatment because of Isiak’s profession, noting that journalists, like other citizens, were subject to the law.
He, however, stressed that journalists were equally entitled to the legal protections and fundamental rights guaranteed to every citizen, including the right to a fair hearing.
Ogundipe said the case also underscored the importance of preserving the legitimate space for journalism to question, report on and scrutinise public institutions within the limits of the law.
He maintained that the right of journalists to perform their professional duties must be respected, while ensuring that legal disputes are resolved through established judicial processes.
According to him, the fresh proceedings should be conducted without interference, 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 stated.
He urged all parties involved to respect the judicial process and allow the court to determine the case fairly and independently.
The statement was electronically signed by Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria and African Union of Journalists, on October 23, 2026.
