On May 21, 2025, the Nigerian socio-political landscape was shaken by news that Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, an 18-year-old activist and vocal critic of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, was found in critical condition at Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State. Her discovery came just a day after she was reported missing on May 20, 2025, sparking widespread concern among human rights advocates, civil society groups, and her supporters. Hamdiyya’s case is not just a story of abduction and recovery but a stark reflection of the challenges faced by young activists in Nigeria who dare to speak truth to power.
The Disappearance of Hamdiyya Sidi
Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif, known for her fearless criticism of governance failures in Sokoto State, was last seen leaving her home in Sokoto on May 20, 2025, to purchase foodstuffs. According to her lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima, her sudden disappearance was no ordinary event—it was a targeted abduction. The news sent ripples of panic through her community and supporters, who feared for her safety given her history of harassment by authorities. This was not the first time Hamdiyya had faced such a threat. In November 2024, she was reportedly kidnapped following a viral TikTok video where she criticized Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration for its handling of insecurity in Sokoto State and called on displaced residents to protest.
Her abduction in May 2025 raised immediate red flags, particularly because of the timing. Hamdiyya was in the midst of an ongoing trial, facing charges of “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” stemming from her outspoken social media posts. The trial, which had already drawn significant attention, was adjourned to May 22-23, 2025, coincidentally overlapping with her abduction and recovery. The circumstances suggested a deliberate attempt to silence a young woman whose voice had become a thorn in the side of powerful figures.
Discovery at Bakura General Hospital
On May 21, 2025, Hamdiyya was found at Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State, a neighboring state to Sokoto. She was in critical condition, raising serious questions about what she had endured during her abduction. Reports indicate that she was under the watch of security personnel at the hospital, though it remains unclear whether this was for her protection or part of a broader effort to monitor her. Her lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima, confirmed the abduction and expressed relief at her recovery but emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The discovery of Hamdiyya in Zamfara, far from her home in Sokoto, added a layer of mystery to the case. How did she end up in a hospital in another state? What events transpired between her disappearance on May 20 and her discovery the following day? These questions remain unanswered, as authorities have yet to provide a detailed account of the incident. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation and distrust, with many suspecting the involvement of state actors or their proxies.
A History of Activism and Persecution
Hamdiyya Sidi’s story is one of courage in the face of adversity. At just 18 years old, she has emerged as a formidable voice in Sokoto, using platforms like TikTok to highlight governance failures, particularly the rampant insecurity that has plagued the state. Her November 2024 video, which went viral, called out Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what she described as his administration’s failure to address the growing threat of banditry and displacement in Sokoto. In the video, she urged displaced residents to take to the streets in protest, a call that resonated with many but drew the ire of those in power.
The backlash was swift. Hamdiyya was arrested and charged with “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance,” charges widely seen as an attempt to criminalize her activism. Her trial became a flashpoint for debates about free speech in Nigeria, with human rights organizations like Amnesty International condemning the authorities’ actions as an attack on freedom of expression. The November 2024 abduction, which occurred shortly after her viral video, was a chilling warning of the risks she faced. Yet, Hamdiyya remained undeterred, continuing to speak out despite the threats to her safety.
Her lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima, has also faced significant pressure. Reports indicate that he has received death threats for representing Hamdiyya, highlighting the broader campaign of intimidation against those who challenge the status quo in Sokoto. The targeting of both Hamdiyya and her legal counsel underscores the lengths to which some will go to suppress dissent.
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