Teenager Handed a Harsh Sentence by Court

Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, an 18-year-old Nigerian woman, has been handed a 12-stroke punishment, two years in prison, or a ₦50,000 fine by a court after speaking out about insecurity in Sokoto State.

The young lady was arrested in November 2024 after sharing videos online in which she expressed concerns about the escalating violence in her region, particularly the activities of armed bandits.

Shariff had highlighted the growing insecurity, mentioning how communities were being attacked by bandits who displaced residents and subjected women to sexual violence.

In her videos, she also criticized the lack of government action to protect citizens.

However, authorities accused her of inciting public unrest and using offensive language against Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, following a video she posted on TikTok.

Despite claims of her inciting violence, transcripts of the videos presented in court showed no evidence of incitement or insult.

The young woman was reportedly abducted by armed men while trying to retrieve her phone, beaten, and thrown from a moving tricycle, leaving her injured. After her arrest, she faced charges before both Sharia and Magistrates’ Courts.

Her case gained international attention, with Amnesty International condemning the intimidation of both Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima.

Amnesty called for authorities to prioritize addressing the real issue of insecurity in the region, instead of punishing individuals like Shariff for raising concerns.

Despite revealing that Shariff’s statement was taken without legal counsel, the court upheld her bail conditions until the final sentencing.

The case has raised significant concerns about freedom of expression and the ability to criticize government actions in Nigeria, especially in a region where insecurity has become a daily struggle.

Source: NewsandVibes.com