Ayuba Sanusi
AMNESTY International has called on the Sokoto State government to drop what it described as “bogus charges” against 18–year old Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, who is accused of “inciting women against the government by telling them to forcefully take over government properties.”
Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif is set to be arraigned before a Sharia court in Achida town, Sokoto State. Amnesty International stressed that the teenager has been facing a series of harassment and threats for posting a video on social media lamenting the condition of people displaced by gunmen’s frequent attacks.
“Sokoto State government’s plan to also charge Hamdiyya Sidi for the “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” is an attempt to weaponize spurious charges to silence critical voices of young people in Sokoto State who speak about human rights.
“Hamdiyya Sidi was abducted by armed men and whisked into a tricycle on Wednesday, 13 November, in Achida town while on her way to collect her mobile phone from the charging point. She was beaten with machetes and heavy sticks and thrown out of a moving tricycle. She was left with severe injuries.
“Harassment and intimidation of Hamdiyya Sidi is unlawful and must end. Right now the life of Hamdiyya is at risk. Attempts to silence and punish her, are solely aimed at creating a climate of fear for people who want to express opinions critical of government.
“Sokoto State governor 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 that is contrary to that of government”, Amnesty International stated in a post on social media.
Eighteen-Eleven Media