Sokoto Activist Hamdiyya Sidi Missing Amidst Ongoing Court Case with State Government
By Editor In-Chief
Sokoto, Nigeria – Public concern is mounting in Sokoto as young activist Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff has been declared missing since 10:00 AM yesterday. Ms. Sidi reportedly left her home to purchase foodstuffs in Sokoto town and has not been seen or heard from since. Her disappearance has been formally reported to the Sokoto State Police Command by her legal representative, Barrister Abba Hikima.
The news of Ms. Sidi’s disappearance is particularly alarming given her ongoing and highly publicized court case with the Sokoto State Government. The 18-year-old activist is known for her vocal stance on social issues, frequently utilizing social media platforms like TikTok to voice her opinions on governance and insecurity in the state.
Her legal troubles began after she posted videos critical of the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu. In these videos, she reportedly addressed issues of insecurity and urged internally displaced persons to occupy the Government House in protest. Consequently, the state government pressed charges against her for the alleged “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance.”
Ms. Sidi’s case has attracted significant attention, with human rights organization Amnesty International repeatedly expressing grave concerns over her safety and the fairness of her trial. The organization had previously highlighted threats made against both Ms. Sidi and her lawyer, Barrister Hikima. In a disturbing incident in November 2024, Amnesty International reported that Ms. Sidi was abducted by armed men, beaten, and thrown from a moving tricycle, sustaining injuries.
There had also been false reports circulating earlier this year regarding a supposed sentencing in her case, which both Ms. Sidi and her lawyer publicly refuted, clarifying that legal proceedings were still ongoing.
Barrister Abba Hikima has confirmed that the police were promptly notified about her current disappearance. The circumstances surrounding her going missing, viewed against the backdrop of her contentious relationship with state authorities and previous security scares, are raising serious questions and anxieties among her supporters and human rights advocates.
Public Eye News is closely monitoring this developing situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Authorities are being urged to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into Hamdiyya Sidi’s whereabouts and ensure her safe return.
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