Amnesty International Calls for Investigation into Threats Against Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and Lawyer

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on authorities to initiate an impartial and transparent investigation into the threats and harassment directed at activist Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, amid their ongoing trial in Sokoto State.

Hamdiyya is facing charges for allegedly criticizing Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, including accusations of using insulting or abusive language and inciting disturbance. In response, she and her lawyer have reportedly been subjected to multiple threats, including intimidating phone calls, confrontations by suspected thugs, and surveillance by individuals claiming to be intelligence agents.

Amnesty International’s Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the actions, calling them a calculated attempt to intimidate those advocating for societal change and those defending them. Sanusi said, “These actions represent an alarming abuse of power and a calculated attempt to intimidate and punish those who speak out for their society and lawyers defending them.”

Sanusi further disclosed that during the last court session, Barrister Hikima had to request armed police protection due to the tense atmosphere, which the court granted. However, the harassment continued, with reports of stalking at their hotel and further intimidation.

Hamdiyya’s ordeal began on November 13, 2024, when she was abducted by armed men while retrieving her phone from a charging point. She was beaten, thrown from a moving tricycle, and left with severe injuries.

Amnesty International also condemned the Sokoto State government and security agencies for their failure to address the threats and their focus on suppressing dissent. Sanusi stressed, “Instead of attempting to silence critics, Sokoto authorities should prioritize addressing the rampant insecurity affecting the eastern part of the state, where gunmen continue to kill, abduct, and displace residents.”