Amnesty International Nigeria has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the threats against Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, in the midst of a controversial trial in Sokoto State. The human rights organization condemned the ongoing intimidation of Hamdiyya, who is facing charges of using insulting language and inciting disturbance after criticizing Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
According to Amnesty International’s Director, Isa Sanusi, the threats against Hamdiyya and her lawyer include disturbing phone calls, confrontations by suspected thugs, and surveillance by individuals posing as intelligence agents. These actions, Sanusi argued, represent a clear abuse of power aimed at silencing dissent and punishing those who speak out.
The latest escalation in the case occurred during a recent court hearing, where Barrister Abba Hikima requested armed police protection due to the hostile environment. Although the court granted the request, the intimidation continued, with the lawyer and Hamdiyya reportedly stalked at their hotel and further harassed.
Hamdiyya’s ordeal began on November 13, 2024, when she was abducted by armed men while retrieving her phone. She was beaten and thrown out of a moving tricycle, sustaining severe injuries. Amnesty International has condemned the Sokoto State government and security agencies for their failure to address these threats, instead focusing on suppressing dissent.
Sanusi emphasized that the authorities should shift their focus from silencing critics to addressing the ongoing insecurity in the eastern part of the state, where gunmen continue to terrorize and displace local residents.