Ayuba Sanusi
AMNESTY International has raised an alarm over alleged threats to the life of a young lady, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima.
Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff is currently facing prosecution at a Sokoto State High Court over alleged “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” for criticising the governor of Sokoto State Mr Ahmed Aliyu.
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 out of a moving tricycle and left with severe injuries.
However, Isa Sanusi, Director, Amnesty International Nigeria says 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’ ”.
Isa Sanusi, who raised this alarm via a statement, pointed out that at the last court hearing, Barrister Hikima was compelled to apply for armed police protection due to the hostile atmosphere in court and the request was granted by the court. “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.
“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 that is contrary to that of 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.
“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 the eastern part of Sokoto State where gunmen have been killing people, razing villages, abducting women and girls – almost daily,” said Isa Sanusi
Eighteen-Eleven Media