Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to ensure impartiality and transparency in investigating the disturbing threats to the lives of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer Abba Hikima.

The human rights organization said such was needed as the trial initiated by the Sokoto State government against her continues.

Sokoto is charging Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff with the “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” for criticizing the governor of the state, Mr Ahmed Aliyu.

“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’ ” said Isa Sanusi Director Amnesty International Nigeria.

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.

According to Amnesty, 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, Amnesty said.

Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif was abducted by armed men and whisked into a tricycle on Wednesday, November 13, 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.

"Sokoto state Governor Mr. Ahmed Aliyu’s frightening intolerance of dissenting voices through 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 said.

It urged authorities to 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 Sanusi.

ASA