The Kaduna State Police Command has famous with concern a publication by an organisation alleging the arbitrary arrest and detention, in addition to the hasty sentencing, of Farida Isiak, a journalist with Nagarta Radio, Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, in an announcement on Thursday mentioned, “The publication reportedly portrayed the incident as an attempt by the Police to silence the media. The Command considers it necessary to clarify the circumstances surrounding the matter and correct any misleading impressions arising from the publication.
“The Command needs to state that the matter arose from a social media publish made by the journalist on her Facebook web page, containing statements directed on the Nigeria Police Force, the police officer involved, and his household.”
According to the information available to the Command, the statement explained that the incident arose from a disagreement between the parties following a request made by the journalist.
It further explained that the Command maintained that the circumstances should be considered objectively and in their proper context, rather than being characterised solely as an attempt to suppress press freedom without a comprehensive assessment of the facts.
“In the spirit of mutual respect, professionalism, and the cordial relationship between the Kaduna State Police Command and members of the media, the Commissioner of Police personally intervened to facilitate an amicable decision of the matter yesterday.
“The Command, however, expresses concern over publications that condemn the Police without adequate verification of the facts or efforts to obtain the Command’s position. Such reporting risks presenting an incomplete or misleading account of events and may unfairly damage the reputation of the Police and the individuals involved,” the assertion mentioned.
The Command, due to this fact, urged media organisations and practitioners to uphold the elemental ideas of accuracy, equity, steadiness, and accountable journalism, saying that allegations ought to be totally verified, and all related events ought to be given an affordable alternative to reply earlier than studies are revealed.
The Command believed that the ideas are important to selling public belief, constructive engagement, and mutual respect between regulation enforcement companies and the media.
The Kaduna State Police Command reiterated its dedication to defending lives and property, upholding the constitutional rights of residents, and sustaining knowledgeable and productive relationship with the media.
While recognising the indispensable position of the press in a democratic society, the Command emphasised that freedom of expression ought to be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the rights and reputations of others and in accordance with relevant legal guidelines.
The assertion assured that the Command remained dedicated to constructive engagement with media practitioners and different stakeholders within the collective curiosity of peace, safety, and justice in Kaduna State.
