Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to urgently ensure the safety and health of Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, who remains in detention under concerning circumstances.
The organization says her condition requires immediate medical attention following her abduction, but the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police has continued to hold her in custody while police in Sokoto insist on her transfer to their jurisdiction.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, Amnesty International described Hamdiyya’s situation as life-threatening and criticised the Sokoto State Government for what it termed a “frightening intolerance of dissenting voices.”
Court atmosphere turns hostile
Amnesty detailed how Hamdiyya’s legal representative, Abba Hikima, had to request armed police protection during a court session in January due to a hostile environment.
The request was approved by the court, underlining the serious threats faced by those defending her. While in Sokoto for trial proceedings, both Hamdiyya and her lawyer were reportedly stalked at their hotel, accosted, and intimidated by unidentified individuals.
Amnesty urges shift in priorities
The rights group condemned the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for what it described as heavy-handed tactics against critics, warning that such actions undermine fundamental freedoms.
Instead of persecuting dissenters, Amnesty urged Nigerian security agencies and the Sokoto government to address the widespread insecurity afflicting communities in the eastern part of the state—where armed groups continue to kill, burn villages, and abduct residents, especially women and girls.
Amnesty International emphasized that protecting Hamdiyya’s rights and ensuring her access to medical care must be a top priority.
The group called for immediate action to stop the intimidation of activists and critics.
