EIHRO Condemns Isyaku’s Reported Conviction Over ₦100 Charcoal Dispute, Demands Investigation

The EduBrain International Human Rights Organization (EIHRO) has condemned the reported arrest, detention, prosecution and conviction of radio journalist Farida Isyaku over a dispute allegedly involving a ₦100 balance from a charcoal transaction between her mother and a customer.

The organisation described the reported incident, which has been attributed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mararaban Police Division in Kaduna State, Usman Adamu, as a matter of serious public concern that raises questions about the exercise of police powers, the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression.

In a press statement dated October 23, 2026, and signed by its President and Director-General, Barr. Collins Edu Abiodun, EIHRO said the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s reported conviction, particularly in connection with her publication about the alleged detention of her parents, required urgent and independent scrutiny.

The organisation maintained that journalists and other citizens should not face retaliatory arrest or prosecution merely for raising concerns about alleged human rights violations or misconduct by public officials.

It, however, stressed that the circumstances of the case must be properly established and that any restriction on freedom of expression must have a lawful basis and comply with constitutional safeguards.

EIHRO warned that failure to address the allegations could create a dangerous precedent in which citizens and journalists are intimidated into silence for speaking out against alleged abuses of power.

According to the organisation, such a development could undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions, the administration of justice and Nigeria’s democratic values.

Citing Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, EIHRO noted that citizens are guaranteed the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and receive and impart information and ideas without interference.

It also referenced Section 39(2), which provides for the establishment and operation of media institutions, and Section 22, which recognises the role of the mass media in holding the government accountable to the people.

The organisation further cited Section 32(2) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, as relevant to the prohibition against arrest merely on the basis of a civil wrong or breach of contract.

EIHRO argued that law enforcement authorities must distinguish between genuine criminal allegations and disputes that are essentially civil in nature, warning against the use of criminal justice processes for intimidation, retaliation or private debt recovery.

It maintained that if the underlying dispute was purely civil and the journalist’s publication prompted retaliatory action, the circumstances would warrant an independent investigation.

The organisation called on the appropriate judicial authorities to urgently review the circumstances of Isyaku’s reported conviction and take all lawful steps necessary to secure her release if the conviction is overturned or her continued detention is found to be unlawful.

It also called for a prompt review of the reported detention of her parents, insisting that anyone found to have been unlawfully detained should be released without delay.

EIHRO urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to investigate the conduct of the officers involved, including DPO Usman Adamu, within their respective statutory powers.

It further demanded appropriate disciplinary or criminal proceedings against any officer found, following a fair and impartial investigation, to have abused official authority, violated the law or infringed the fundamental rights of Isyaku and her family.

The organisation also called for appropriate compensation and a public apology where unlawful arrest, detention or other human rights violations are established.

Beyond the specific case, EIHRO urged the Nigeria Police Force and other public institutions to respect freedom of expression and ensure that citizens are not subjected to intimidation or retaliatory action for raising concerns about alleged official misconduct.

Emphasising the importance of due process, the organisation stated that every arrest, investigation, prosecution and conviction must be grounded in lawful authority, credible evidence and respect for the rights of the accused.

“No individual should be above the law, and no citizen should be deprived of liberty except in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

EIHRO called on the relevant authorities to act with urgency, impartiality and institutional responsibility to ensure that the allegations surrounding the case receive the necessary attention.