An 18-year-old social media activist, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, has been sentenced by a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Sokoto to 12 strokes of the cane, two years imprisonment, or an alternative fine of ₦50,000, following her conviction on charges related to a critical TikTok video about insecurity in the state.
Presided over by Chief Magistrate Faruk Umar, the court delivered its judgment after the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Khalid Musa, presented evidence alleging that Shariff’s online content incited public disturbance and insulted Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Her video highlighted widespread insecurity, bandit attacks, and alleged sexual exploitation of displaced women in the state.
Shariff was arrested on November 13, 2024, reportedly abducted by armed men while retrieving her mobile phone. She was later beaten and thrown from a moving tricycle, sustaining severe injuries. Amnesty International Nigeria has raised alarm over her treatment, calling it a violation of her right to free expression and alleging intimidation of both Shariff and her lawyer, Barr. Abba Hikima.
In a statement, Amnesty’s Director Isa Sanusi condemned the threats against the duo, stating that during court sessions, Hikima was forced to request armed police protection due to a hostile environment allegedly orchestrated by government sympathisers and security agents.
“This represents an alarming abuse of power and a calculated attempt to intimidate and punish those who speak out for their society,” Sanusi said, urging authorities to redirect their focus to tackling the insecurity that has ravaged eastern Sokoto communities.
Public response to the case has been mixed but largely sympathetic, with many on social media praising Shariff for her bravery and condemning what they see as an unjust punishment meant to silence criticism. The case continues to fuel a nationwide debate on the limits of free speech, youth activism, and the treatment of dissenting voices in Nigeria’s democratic space.
