Hamdiyyah Sharif, the embattled critic of Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has been declared missing.
According to her lawyer, Abba Hikima, the 18-year-old left home at about 10 a.m. to purchase foodstuffs and has not returned since. Her disappearance comes just days before the next court appearance in an ongoing case between her and the Sokoto State government. “She went out to buy foodstuffs in Sokoto and has not been seen since. The Sokoto State Police has already been informed,” Hikima posted on Facebook.
Hamdiyya first gained national attention in November 2024 after publishing a video on TikTok in which she criticized Governor Aliyu’s leadership. She was swiftly arrested, secretly arraigned, and reportedly subjected to physical abuse while in custody, all without access to legal representation or her family.
The charges brought against her include “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance.” Rights groups condemned the trial, calling it an egregious violation of her rights.
Though rumors recently claimed she had been convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, her lawyer dismissed the reports, insisting the trial is still underway. “We urge the public and the media to disregard and debunk any reports or rumors suggesting that Hamdiyya has been sentenced. Such information is false and misleading,” Hikima said.
In April, he confirmed that the court had only just begun hearing from the defense, with the next sittings scheduled for May 22 and 23. “The case is still ongoing. We just concluded proceedings with the commencement of the defense case. We presented one of our planned defense witnesses, who was successfully taken by the court,” he explained.
Her sudden disappearance has intensified speculation that she may have been targeted again by political loyalists or state-backed operatives. Critics say the ongoing harassment of the teenage girl reflects the growing intolerance for dissent in Sokoto under Governor Aliyu’s leadership.
Despite multiple calls and messages, the Sokoto State Police Command has issued no formal statement regarding her whereabouts. Spokesperson Rufai Ahmad has remained unreachable, while the governor’s media aides have yet to comment.
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