A woman identified as Farida has reportedly been sentenced to four years in prison by a Sharia Court in Kawo, Kaduna State, on a criminal defamation charge following a dispute involving her mother’s charcoal business.
According to an account of the incident, the dispute began on October 19 when Farida’s mother, a petty trader in Mararaban Jos, Kaduna State, sold charcoal worth ₦400 to a young girl sent by a neighbour.
The girl reportedly paid ₦500, and Farida’s mother gave her ₦100 as change.
However, the neighbour allegedly returned the following day to purchase another ₦400 worth of charcoal, again paying with ₦500. She reportedly demanded ₦200 in change, claiming she had not received her ₦100 change from the previous transaction.
The disagreement escalated when Farida’s mother refused to give her the additional money.
According to the account, the neighbour subsequently brought police officers from the Mararaban Jos Police Division, reportedly led by the Divisional Police Officer, Usman Adamu, who arrested Farida’s mother.
When Farida’s father visited the police station to secure his wife’s release, he was also detained, allegedly to compel Farida, who was at work, to report to the station.
After learning of her mother’s arrest, Farida reportedly took to Facebook to publicise the incident and raise concerns about the police’s handling of the matter.
She arrived at the police station at about 10 p.m. on October 20, where officers allegedly pressured her to delete the post and issue an apology.
Despite reportedly complying with the demands, Farida remained in custody and was subsequently taken to a Sharia Court in Kawo, where she was reportedly sentenced to four years in prison on a criminal defamation charge.
Police React to Allegations
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said the case arose from a Facebook post containing remarks directed at the Nigeria Police Force, the officer concerned and his family.
In a separate statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the incident followed a disagreement between the parties after a request made by the journalist.
The command urged media organisations to verify allegations and seek responses from relevant parties before publication, warning that unverified reports could present a misleading account of events.
It added that the Commissioner of Police had personally intervened to facilitate an amicable resolution, citing the need to maintain cordial relations between the police and the media.
The police statement provides the command’s position on the controversy. However, further clarification is needed regarding the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests, detention and four-year prison sentence.
