NIGERIAN LADY FACES HARSH PENALTIES FOR SPEAKING OUT ON INSECURITY

Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, an 18-year-old Nigerian woman, has been given a controversial sentence—either 12 cane strokes, two years in prison, or a ₦50,000 fine—after voicing concerns about the worsening security crisis in Sokoto State.

The case gained widespread attention on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following Shariff’s arrest in November 2024. She had posted videos online describing the severe impact of bandit attacks in her region, including mass displacement and sexual violence against women.

Authorities accused her of inciting unrest and using offensive language against Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu in a TikTok video. However, court-reviewed translations of her seven videos revealed no evidence of such offenses. Instead, the recordings showed her expressing frustration over the dire security situation without any calls for violence or insults.

In a troubling twist, Shariff was allegedly kidnapped by armed men while trying to retrieve her phone. Reports indicate she was severely beaten, thrown from a moving tricycle, and later detained. She faced charges in both Sharia and Magistrates’ Courts, drawing condemnation from human rights groups.

Amnesty International denounced the intimidation tactics used against Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, calling it an abuse of power to suppress dissent. The organization urged Nigerian authorities to prioritize addressing Sokoto’s rampant kidnappings, killings, and village destruction rather than punishing those who speak out.

During a February 2025 court hearing, prosecutors presented translated videos and a flash drive as evidence. However, cross-examination revealed that Shariff’s initial statement was taken without legal representation, raising due process concerns. Despite this, the court maintained her bail conditions pending sentencing.

The case has ignited fierce debates online, with many condemning the government’s treatment of Shariff.

What are your thoughts on this situation? #nigeria #sokoto #insecurity #amnesty