Amnesty International Calls for Investigation Into Threats Against Sokoto Activist and Lawyer

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on Sokoto State authorities to launch an impartial and transparent investigation into alleged threats and harassment targeting activist Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima.

Hamdiyya is currently on trial for allegedly criticizing Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, using offensive language, and inciting public disturbance. However, reports suggest that she and her legal team have faced significant threats, including surveillance by individuals posing as intelligence officers, confrontations by unidentified persons, and intimidating phone calls.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said: "These actions represent an alarming attempt to intimidate and punish those who speak out for their society and the lawyers defending them."

Sanusi revealed that during a recent court session, a hostile atmosphere led Barrister Hikima to request armed police protection, which the court granted. Despite this, further harassment allegedly occurred, including intimidation at their hotel.

Hamdiyya’s ordeal began on November 13, 2024, when she was reportedly abducted by armed individuals while retrieving her phone from a charging station. Amnesty International claims she sustained injuries during the incident.

The organization criticized the Sokoto State government and security agencies for allegedly failing to address these threats, urging them to prioritize pressing security issues in the region: "Instead of silencing critics, Sokoto authorities should focus on tackling insecurity in the eastern part of the state, where communities continue to face violence and displacement," Sanusi added.