Kaduna Police Explain Defamation Case Involving Nagarta Radio Journalist

Police response to the case The Kaduna State Police Command issued a statement defending its handling of a defamation matter involving Farida Isiak, a reporter for Nagarta Radio. According to the command, the dispute originated from a Facebook post in which the journalist directed harsh language at the Nigeria Police Force, a specific officer and the officer’s family. The police argue that the content of the post, rather than any attempt to silence media, formed the basis for the legal action.

Context provided by the command In the statement signed by public‑relations officer DSP Mansir Hassan, the police stressed that the circumstances surrounding the disagreement should be examined objectively. They noted that the conflict followed a request made by the journalist, although the nature of that request was not disclosed. The command warned against characterising the case solely as an effort to suppress press freedom without a comprehensive assessment of the facts.

Intervention by senior police leadership The Commissioner of Police intervened personally to resolve the matter, a move described by the command as intended to preserve a cordial relationship with the media. This intervention, they said, helped achieve an amicable settlement between the parties involved.

Reaction from media bodies The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an impartial investigation into the arrest and sentencing of Isiak, describing the police action as potentially arbitrary. The police, however, expressed concern over publications that they claim portray the incident as a deliberate attempt to silence journalists. They urged media organisations to verify facts, provide balanced reporting and allow all parties a reasonable opportunity to respond before publishing stories.

Wider implications The episode highlights ongoing tensions between law‑enforcement agencies and the press in Nigeria. While the police maintain that the case stems from alleged defamation, journalists and press‑rights advocates view it as part of a broader pattern of challenges to media freedom. Both sides emphasise the need for accurate reporting and due process to sustain public trust.

Outlook The case remains under judicial consideration, and its outcome may influence future interactions between Kaduna authorities and media practitioners. Continued monitoring by press‑freedom organisations and careful reporting by news outlets are expected as the situation develops.