In a chilling display of state repression, 18-year-old social media activist Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff has been sentenced to 12 strokes of the cane, 2 years in prison, or a ₦50,000 fine by a Sokoto Chief Magistrates’ Court — all for daring to speak up against rising insecurity, bandit attacks, and the sexual exploitation of displaced women in Sokoto State.

Arrested on November 13, 2024, after a shocking abduction and beating by unknown armed men, Hamdiyya’s only “crime” was posting a viral video criticizing Governor Ahmed Aliyu and detailing the horrors plaguing her community — from rampant killings to the rape and starvation of displaced women.

Initially dragged before a Sharia Court for “abusive language” and “inciting disturbance,” Hamdiyya’s trial took a darker turn as her lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima, began receiving death threats and intimidation from alleged intelligence agents and thugs. The court had to grant armed police protection after thugs stormed the courtroom and even stalked the legal team to their hotel.

Amnesty International condemned the entire ordeal, demanding an urgent investigation into the threats and harassment, warning that “Sokoto has become dangerous for those who dare to speak truth to power.”

Despite overwhelming evidence of intimidation and unlawful interrogation without legal representation, the state pressed forward with prosecution, presenting a flash drive of her TikTok criticisms as evidence.

Public reaction has been swift and fiery. Nigerians on social media have hailed Hamdiyya as a heroine of truth, condemning the Sokoto State government for “flogging justice” instead of fighting the real enemies — the terrorists murdering and raping civilians daily in Eastern Sokoto.

The case has now become a symbol of the crackdown on free speech in Nigeria — a disturbing tale of how one teenager’s voice shook the system and paid the price.

Sokoto State has since denied the allegations, and said the case is still ongoing .