Former President of the Nigeria and African Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe, has urged the court handling the case of Kaduna journalist Farida Isiak to guarantee her right to a fair hearing as fresh proceedings resume on November 3.
Ogundipe said the proceedings must comply fully with due process, stressing that Isiak, who has been released on bail following the setting aside of her earlier conviction, must be given adequate legal representation and a fair opportunity to defend herself.
Isiak, 23, a journalist with Nagarta Radio, was arrested over a Facebook post concerning 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.
The earlier proceedings and conviction have since been set aside, paving the way for a fresh hearing of the case.
In a statement dated October 23, Ogundipe welcomed the position of the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, who called for a fair hearing and proper judicial consideration of the matter.
He said the demand for due process was not an appeal for special treatment because Isiak is a journalist, but a call for the enforcement of rights guaranteed to every citizen under the law.
“Journalists, like every other citizen, are subject to the law. They are, however, equally entitled to the protections guaranteed by law, including the fundamental right to a fair hearing,” he said.
Ogundipe also urged the prosecution to be allowed to present its case in accordance with the law, insisting that both parties must be treated fairly throughout the proceedings.
He said the case underscored the need to protect the legitimate space for journalism to question, report on and scrutinise public institutions within the limits of the law.
According to him, the fresh proceedings must be conducted fairly and independently, with the court determining the case strictly 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.
