An 18-year-old Nigerian girl, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, has been sentenced to 12 strokes of the cane, two years in prison, or a ₦50,000 fine for speaking out against insecurity in Sokoto State. Her story is now trending online and drawing widespread attention.
The 18-Year old girl was arrested in November 2024 after posting videos online about how bandits were terrorizing communities and abusing women. Although she never incited violence or insulted the governor, she was accused of using abusive words and inciting the public in one of her TikTok clips.
Amnesty International has condemned her treatment, revealing that she was beaten, injured, and denied a lawyer while being interrogated. They’re calling on the government to focus on fighting bandits, not punishing citizens for telling the truth.
See some reactions below:
@OceanfieldA: “No social media activist from the core north see it fit to cry on her behalf. So shameful . just 18-Year
@yewande_bolaji: “It is obvious some people are just all out to defend politicians. Imagine this nonsense.”
@BrotherJusticeD: “One of the reasons Muslim extremists country will continue deteriorating in all ramifications. Using Islam religion to silence criticism.”
@Kelvin32187330: “Muslims are not humans. I have been saying this and will keep saying it, just imagine, trying to shut down someone who’s speaking out against bad governance and her own people are trying to shut her up.”
@Giddy_On1234: “What power do those damned fulani bandits hold over our govt that they are getting this level of protection. It will not be well with any govt official involved in these carnage. The blood of the innocent will demand revenge on them and their useless generations.”
@oladimejiisaac1: “This country is in a mess.. you have to keep quiet even if you’re dying.. what’s the purpose of being a law-abiding citizen if the laws won’t do right.”
@whiskynnagin: “Those enraged by her outburst against insecurity & terrorism are the terrorists & their enablers. These terrorists are not those unknown, they are residents & Muslim faithfuls in that community.”
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