The Amnesty International released a press about Hamdiyya Sidi on Monday.In a statement,by Mr. Ahmed Aliyu,Nigerian authorities must impartially and transparently investigate disturbing threats to the lives of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer Abba Hikima – as the trial continues – in which Sokoto state government is charging Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff with the “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” for criticizing the governor of Sokoto state.
Director Amnesty International Nigeria,Mr. Isa Sanusi, reaffirmed that 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 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.
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.
