Sokoto-Based Woman Secretly Detained, Arraigned for Criticising Governor Over Insecurity, Apologies to Governor Ahmed

Hamdiyya Sidi, a Sokoto-based critic who was recently prosecuted by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration for criticing the state governor, has publicly apologised for her remarks.

Sidi, who had earlier criticised the state government in a viral video online over the escalating insecurity and plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sokoto State, issued the apology in a follow-up video shared on social media.

In the initial video, she lamented the lack of action against banditry, claiming that gunmen had taken over villages unchallenged. She also alleged that displaced women seeking refuge in Sokoto were being sexually exploited due to extreme poverty.

Her comments led to her arrest and a secret arraignment, reportedly without access to legal representation or her family, according to Sahara Reporters.

In the new video, Sidi apologised for her earlier remarks, particularly those involving the governor’s wife and family. Speaking in Hausa, she expressed regret over her choice of words and clarified her statement suggesting that IDPs should occupy government facilities.

“My name is Hamdiyya Sidi Sheriff from Sokoto State, Wurno Local Government Area. I’m apologising as a woman and a Muslim from Sokoto because I used some words in the video when I made reference to the governor’s wife and his family. The words are too heavy considering my age. The words weren’t supposed to have come from me,” she said.

She also retracted her earlier suggestion regarding the occupation of government facilities by IDPs, stating, “Nobody has the right to move into or occupy a government facility without due process and permission. For the government, governor, and anyone that my comment has affected, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

However, there are multiple reports of killings, and abductions in the state, recently bandits took control of large areas in Isa Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and now act as rulers and mediators.

This was revealed by the local council chairman, Sharifu Kamarawa, during the visit of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle who came to assess troop performance in the region.

Read Also: Amnesty International Slams Sokoto Government For Sharia Court Charges Against Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, Demands All Charges Dropped

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