Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the sudden disappearance of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, a Sokoto-based woman currently standing trial for allegedly criticizing the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu.
According to her legal representatives, Abba Hikima & Co, Hamdiyya was last seen on the morning of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, when she left her residence at approximately 10:00 a.m. to purchase food items. Since then, no contact has been made with her, and her whereabouts remain unknown.
Hamdiyya is facing charges of “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” following comments she reportedly made critical of the state governor. She was scheduled to appear before a magistrate court in Sokoto on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in continuation of her trial.
Her lawyers and family have reported her disappearance to local security agencies as well as the court handling her case.
In a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to take immediate action to investigate the incident and ensure her safety. “The Nigerian authorities must urgently investigate and determine what happened to Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff,” the organization said.
The rights group warned that Hamdiyya’s disappearance raises serious concerns about the safety of individuals who speak out against political leaders and emphasized the importance of protecting the right to freedom of expression.
As public anxiety grows over her fate, civil society organizations and human rights advocates are also calling for transparency and accountability from the Sokoto State Government and security agencies involved in the case.
