The global human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has called for an impartial investigation into threats against Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima, who are facing persecution in Sokoto State.
Shariff is being prosecuted by the state government for allegedly using “insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” following her criticism of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
The global human rights organisation in a statement on Monday revealed alarming details of intimidation and harassment targeting the duo, including threatening phone calls, in-person confrontations, and stalking.
At a recent court hearing, Barrister Hikima sought and received armed police protection due to escalating hostility.
“Right now, apart from facing persecution for exercising freedom of expression, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer Abba Hikima are being subjected to threats, including phone calls and in-person confrontations by sponsored thugs and individuals claiming to be ‘intelligence agents,’” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
Sanusi highlighted further harassment: “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.”
The case took a darker turn when Shariff was abducted on 13 November 2024 by armed men, beaten, and thrown from a moving tricycle, leaving her with severe injuries. The assault underscores the risks she faces for her outspoken criticism of the Sokoto state government.
Amnesty International condemned Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s heavy-handed response to dissent, saying, “Sokoto state Governor Mr. Ahmed Aliyu’s frightening intolerance of dissenting voices through heavy-handed clampdown on critics is unacceptable in a free society.
“No one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion that is contrary to that of government.”
The organisation called on Nigerian authorities to ensure the safety of Shariff and Hikima, particularly during their court appearances in Sokoto.
“Instead of attempting to suppress dissenting voices, Sokoto state government and the Nigerian security agencies should focus on addressing rampant insecurity facing particularly the people of eastern part of Sokoto state where gunmen have been killing people, razing villages, abducting women and girls – almost daily,” Sanusi concluded.
Amnesty International emphasised that freedom of expression must be protected and urged authorities to end the persecution of critics.
