Teenager Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff Still on Trial for Criticising Sokoto Governor on TikTok

Five months after 18-year-old Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff was arrested for expressing her disapproval of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s handling of insecurity, her case is still ongoing. Shariff was detained in November 2024 after posting a TikTok video that criticised government actions in Sabon Birnin Daji and drew attention to the sexual exploitation of displaced women in Sokoto. The case has raised alarm about violating her right to free expression.

Recently, reports surfaced on social media claiming that Shariff had been sentenced to 12 strokes of the cane, two years in prison, or a ₦50,000 fine. These claims quickly went viral, but her lawyer, Abba Hikima, has refuted them and confirmed that the case remains ongoing. According to him, no sentencing has occurred.

Hikima, in an exclusive interview, clarified that the trial was still in progress and that Thursday, 10th February 2025, marked the commencement of the defence’s case.

The case is still ongoing. We just concluded today’s proceedings with the commencement of the defence case. We presented one of our planned defence witnesses, who was successfully taken by the court, Hikima explained.

Shariff was initially abducted by unidentified men, beaten, and thrown out of a moving tricycle before being taken into custody. She was later charged with “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance”.

On 22 February 2025, before sentencing, her trial was adjourned to 13 and 14 March by Chief Magistrate Faruk Umar after Police Prosecutor Inspector Khalid Musa presented evidence through Investigating Police Officer (IPO) Tukur Abdulhadi. The prosecution claimed that Shariff posted content capable of inciting public disturbance, particularly over the government’s handling of banditry in Sabon Birnin Daji. A flash drive and a translated version of her statement were submitted as exhibits.

However, during cross-examination, it was revealed that her statement was obtained without legal representation. The court upheld her bail conditions at the time.

Her case has sparked condemnation, with many Nigerians questioning whether the country still upholds democratic values or suppresses its citizens.

Earlier in January, Amnesty International raised alarm over threats to Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima. The human rights group reported that both were harassed, stalked and intimidated by unknown persons during the trial in Sokoto. Amnesty described the prosecution as violating Shariff’s right to free expression and called on authorities to guarantee their safety.

The case has drawn comparisons to other recent incidents, including the summoning of NYSC member Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, who was threatened after criticising the Tinubu administration’s economic policies on TikTok.

Shariff’s case has now been adjourned to the 22nd and 23rd of May.

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