Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Lanre Ogundipe has demanded that the Kaduna based female journalist, Farida Isiak, who was hurriedly sentenced and jailed must be accorded full due process.
Farida, a 23-year-old journalist with Nagarta Radio, was arrested following a Facebook post concerning the reported treatment of her parents by the police.
She was raken to a Sharia court and hurriedly convicted and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a ₦1.75 million fine.
The Sharia Court proceedings and conviction were set aside, and the matter is now being heard afresh.
However, Ogundipe insisted that Farida 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 that his position is not a demand for special treatment because she is a journalist as journalists, like every other citizen, are subject to the law, but equally entitled to the protections guaranteed by law, including the fundamental right to a fair hearing.
This was as he particularly welcome the position of NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi in calling for a fair hearing and proper judicial consideration of the case.
Ogundipe in a statement issued in Abuja, stressed that with Farida Isiak now released on bail and her earlier conviction set aside, attention should turn to the fresh proceedings scheduled to continue on November 3, 2026.
In the words of Ogundipe; “The immediate concern is that the proceedings must fully respect her right to due process and a fair hearing”.
“My position is straightforward: The case also underlines the importance of protecting the legitimate space for journalism to question, report on and scrutinise public institutions. That space must be preserved within the limits of the law.
“The fresh proceedings should therefore be conducted fairly and independently, with the court determining the matter on the evidence and 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,” he stressed.
