An 18-year-old Nigerian woman, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, has been sentenced to either 12 strokes of the cane, two years in prison, or a ₦50,000 fine for raising concerns about insecurity in Sokoto State.
The case, which has sparked widespread attention on X (formerly Twitter), revolves around an incident in November 2024 when Shariff was arrested after posting videos online highlighting the growing insecurity in her area. In her videos, Shariff described the devastating effects of bandit attacks on local communities, where residents were displaced, and vulnerable women were subjected to sexual violence.
Before being released, Shariff was accused by authorities of inciting unrest and using offensive language against Governor Ahmed Aliyu in a TikTok video. However, a review of her seven videos presented in court showed no evidence of inciting violence or insulting the governor. The transcripts, translated from her native language, indicated that she was simply expressing her frustrations about the situation in Sokoto without any intention of causing harm.
In a disturbing turn of events, Shariff was allegedly abducted by armed men while attempting to retrieve her phone. She was reportedly beaten and thrown from a moving tricycle, sustaining serious injuries. Following this, she was detained and charged in both Sharia and Magistrates’ Courts.
Her case has attracted significant international attention, with Amnesty International strongly condemning the threats faced by Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, during the trial. Amnesty described the harassment as an abuse of power meant to silence critics and urged the Nigerian authorities to focus on addressing the escalating insecurity in Sokoto, where frequent kidnappings, killings, and the destruction of villages have made life perilous for residents. The organization emphasized that rather than punishing individuals who speak out, the government should focus on tackling the rampant violence and lawlessness in the region.
At a court hearing in February 2025, the police prosecutor submitted translated versions of Shariff’s videos, as well as a flash drive containing evidence. However, it was revealed during cross-examination that Shariff’s statement had been taken without legal counsel present, raising concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. Despite this, the court upheld her bail conditions while awaiting sentencing.
The case has sparked a range of reactions on social media, with many criticizing the government’s response to Shariff’s activism:
@OceanfieldA expressed disappointment, stating, “No social media activist from the core north sees it fit to cry on her behalf. So shameful.”
@yewande_bolaji remarked, “It is obvious some people are just all out to defend politicians. Imagine this nonsense.”
@BrotherJusticeD commented, “One of the reasons Muslim extremists’ countries will continue deteriorating in all ramifications. Using Islam to silence criticism.”
@Kelvin32187330 went further, stating, “Muslims are not humans. I have been saying this and will keep saying it. Just imagine trying to shut down someone who’s speaking out against bad governance, and her own people are trying to silence her.”
@Giddy_On1234 criticized the government’s response to bandits, saying, “What power do those damned Fulani bandits hold over our government that they are getting this level of protection? It will not be well with any government official involved in these carnage. The blood of the innocent will demand revenge on them and their useless generations.”
@oladimejiisaac1 shared a sense of disillusionment, “This country is in a mess. You have to keep quiet even if you’re dying. What’s the purpose of being a law-abiding citizen if the laws won’t do right?”
@whiskynnagin blamed those who opposed Shariff’s outcry, writing, “Those enraged by her outburst against insecurity & terrorism are the terrorists & their enablers. These terrorists are not those unknown, they are residents & Muslim faithfuls in that community.”
This case has highlighted the tension between free speech and the desire to maintain control over public narratives, as well as the challenges faced by individuals who speak out against government inaction on critical issues like insecurity.