Sokoto Governor’s teenage critic, Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, who was declared missing in Sokoto two days ago, was found in Zamfara hospital facing life-threatening ailments.
The teenager is facing trial for allegedly criticising Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu over raging insecurity and poor handling of the humanitarian crisis in the state.
Her counsel, Abba Hikima, declared her missing on Wednesday through a post on his official Facebook handle.
Ms Hamdiyya remained unknown after she mysteriously disappeared on Tuesday morning in Sokoto State amid ongoing legal and political persecution allegedly orchestrated by Governor Ahmad Aliyu.
He said, “Hamdiyya has been missing since 10:00 am yesterday (Tuesday).
“She left home to buy foodstuffs in Sokoto and has not been seen since.”
He stated that the Sokoto State Police Command has been informed of the development.
Mr Hikima later confirmed her discovery in a post written in Hausa on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
“We have been informed that Hamdiyya is in the Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State,” he wrote.
“She is in a critical condition. But there are security personnel with her.”
Mr Hikima also confirmed that Hamdiyya was kidnapped, stating, “It has been confirmed that she was indeed abducted
During a recent court hearing, Barrister Hikima was compelled to apply for armed police protection due to the hostile atmosphere in court, and the court granted the request.
While in Sokoto, for the trial, they were also stalked at their hotel, accosted and intimidated by some individuals.
“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. The hostilities being faced by Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif and Barrister Abba Hikima are increasingly making their appearance in court in Sokoto dangerous.”
Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif was abducted by armed men and whisked into a tricycle on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, while going to collect her mobile phone from a charging point. She was beaten and thrown off a moving tricycle and left with severe injuries.
Sokoto state Governor, Mr Ahmed Aliyu’s frightening intolerance of dissenting voices through a heavy-handed clampdown on critics is unacceptable in a free society. No one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion contrary to that of the government.
The Nigerian authorities must guarantee the safety of Hamdiyya and Barrister Abba Hikima, particularly during court appearances and their stay in Sokoto for the trial.
Before the disappearance of Hamdiyya, she and her lawyer had come under harassment from the Sokoto State government, which had forced Amnesty International to intervene in their predicament.
On January 20 2025, AI called on the Federal Government to “impartially and transparently investigate disturbing threats to the lives of Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif and her lawyer Abba Hikima.
