A critic of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State in Nigeria, Hamdiyyah Sharif, has been reported missing. Her disappearance was announced by her lawyer, Abba Hikima, on his Facebook page, stating that she had been missing since Tuesday at 10:00 am. According to Hikima, Sharif had left her home to buy food but never returned. The police in Sokoto State have been notified of her disappearance.
This is not the first time Sharif has faced challenges due to her criticism of the governor. She was previously arrested and detained in November for allegedly using abusive language against Governor Aliyu and inciting disturbance. After her release, she was abducted by armed men on November 13, 2024, while trying to collect her phone from a charging point. The ordeal left her with severe injuries after being beaten and thrown out of a moving tricycle.
Sharif’s criticism of the governor stemmed from her advocacy for displaced people in the state, which she expressed in a TikTok post. This led to her being charged in a Sharia court for using abusive language and criticizing the constituted authority. Her lawyer’s announcement of her disappearance has raised concerns about her safety and well-being, given her history of experiencing violence and intimidation for speaking out against the government.
The situation highlights the risks faced by critics of those in power in Nigeria, particularly in regions where freedom of speech and expression are limited. Sharif’s disappearance has sparked fears that she may have been targeted for her outspoken views, and her family and supporters are eagerly awaiting news of her whereabouts. The police investigation into her disappearance is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to ensure her safety and protect her rights as a citizen.
