A Sokoto court has sentenced Hamdiyya Sidi to 12 strokes of the cane, two years imprisonment, or a fine of fifty thousand Naira (₦50,000), following her conviction for “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” after she criticized Governor Ahmed Aliyu in a TikTok video.

Hamdiyya Sidi was arraigned by the Sokoto State government on charges related to her online criticism of the governor, which authorities claimed incited public unrest.

It will be recalled that on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, Sidi was abducted by armed men while on her way to collect her mobile phone from a charging point. She was reportedly beaten, thrown out of a moving tricycle, and left with severe injuries.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the case, describing it as a violation of freedom of expression and raising alarm over the safety of both Hamdiyya Sidi and her legal representative, Barrister Abba Hikima.

In a statement issued by Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, the organization called for an impartial and transparent investigation into the threats made against them.

“Right now, apart from facing persecution for exercising freedom of expression, Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif 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’,” Sanusi said.

During the last court session, Barrister Hikima sought and was granted armed police protection following an increasingly hostile atmosphere in court. While in Sokoto for the trial, both he and his client were reportedly stalked at their hotel, accosted, and intimidated by unidentified individuals.

Human rights advocates have described the developments as a disturbing abuse of state power and a targeted campaign to silence dissent and intimidate those who challenge authority or defend such voices in court.