Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi has called on Nigerian authorities to ensure the safety of activist Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, as they face threats and intimidation during an ongoing trial in Sokoto State.
Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff is being prosecuted by the Sokoto State government for allegedly using “insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” following her criticism of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Amnesty International expressed concern over reports of threats, including phone calls, confrontations, and harassment by individuals linked to state operatives.
In a statement by Amnesty International, the trial has been marked by a tense and hostile atmosphere. Barrister Abba Hikima recently applied for armed police protection due to security concerns, which the court granted. However, further reports indicate that the pair have been stalked, intimidated at their hotel, and accosted during their stay in Sokoto.
Amnesty International described these acts as an abuse of power aimed at silencing dissent. They also criticized the Sokoto State government for clamping down on critics, stating that no one should face persecution for expressing an opinion.
The organization urged authorities to prioritize the safety of Hamdiyya and her lawyer, particularly during court appearances, and called for a focus on addressing insecurity in Sokoto State, where violence and abductions have become rampant.
Amnesty International’s appeal highlights the critical need to protect the rights of individuals to freely express their views without fear of intimidation or harm.