Legal Affairs
Court hearing: Authorities must ensure safety of Hamdiyya Sidi amid threats
DDM News

The Nigerian authorities and court have been urged to take immediate action to safeguard the lives of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, as their trial progresses in Sokoto.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the Sokoto state government has charged Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff with “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” after she publicly criticized Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Amnesty International has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into threats against the two individuals as the case continues in court.
Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, voiced grave concern over the growing threats targeting Hamdiyya and her lawyer.
These threats, which include phone calls and confrontations with individuals claiming to be “intelligence agents,” have created a dangerous atmosphere around the trial.
“Right now, apart from facing persecution for exercising freedom of expression, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer Abba Hikima are being subjected to threats from sponsored thugs and individuals posing as intelligence agents,” said Sanusi.
At the most recent court session, Barrister Abba Hikima was forced to apply for armed police protection due to the hostile environment in the courtroom.
His request was granted by the court, but the intimidation did not stop there.
Both Hikima and Hamdiyya were reportedly stalked and accosted by unknown individuals during their stay in Sokoto for the trial.
This added to the growing concern over their safety as they faced mounting pressure from those opposed to their stance.
Amnesty International strongly condemned these actions, labeling them an alarming abuse of power and an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
“These actions represent a calculated attempt to intimidate and punish those who speak out for their society, as well as the lawyers who defend them,” said Sanusi.
The hostility faced by the accused and their legal team during court proceedings has made it increasingly unsafe for them to attend court hearings in Sokoto.
Amnesty has called for immediate steps to protect the individuals involved, especially as the trial continues.
Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff’s ordeal began in November 2024 when she was abducted by armed men while heading to collect her mobile phone.
She was dragged into a tricycle, beaten, and thrown out of the vehicle, resulting in severe injuries.
The abduction occurred shortly before her criticism of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and her subsequent arrest led to the charges being brought against her.
Amnesty International has condemned Governor Aliyu’s apparent intolerance of dissent and criticized his government for using heavy-handed tactics to stifle criticism.
“Sokoto state Governor Mr. Ahmed Aliyu’s frightening intolerance of dissenting voices is unacceptable in a free society. No one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion that contrasts with the government’s views,” said Sanusi.
The court proceedings against Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff have raised concerns not just over her safety but also over the broader issue of freedom of expression in the country.
The Nigerian authorities have been urged to ensure the trial is conducted fairly and without intimidation.
Amnesty International has stressed the need for the authorities to guarantee the safety of Hamdiyya and her lawyer, especially during their court appearances in Sokoto.
Sanusi also pointed out the wider security issues in Sokoto state, where residents in the eastern region have been facing daily attacks by gunmen.
These assailants have been responsible for killing people, burning villages, and abducting women and girls.
The NLC has called on the Sokoto state government and Nigerian security agencies to prioritize addressing these pressing issues rather than attempting to suppress dissent.
“The authorities should shift their focus from attempting to suppress dissenting voices and instead direct their efforts toward the rampant insecurity plaguing the people of eastern Sokoto state,” said Sanusi.
“The daily violence, kidnappings, and killings must be addressed urgently to protect citizens in the region.”
The trial of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff continues to attract attention both locally and internationally, with calls for justice and an end to the harassment of those standing up for their rights.
As the case progresses in court, there is a growing need for the Nigerian authorities to ensure that both the accused and their lawyers are safe from harm, and that the legal proceedings take place without further intimidation.
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