Hamdiyya Sharif, a well-known social media critic of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who was reported missing on Tuesday, has been found in Zamfara State.
Her lawyer, Abba Hikima, confirmed on Wednesday that Hamdiyya is currently receiving treatment at Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara. He said she was in critical condition and was being watched by security officers.
“We have been informed that Hamdiyya is in the Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State. She is in a critical condition. But there are security personnel with her,” Hikima said in a Facebook post written in Hausa.
Earlier, Hikima had raised an alarm on Facebook, saying that Hamdiyya went missing around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday after leaving her home in Sokoto to buy foodstuffs.
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Hamdiyya is known for speaking out against Governor Ahmed Aliyu on social media, especially on matters related to governance and security. In 2024, she was arrested and charged with using abusive language and inciting disturbance. Her case sparked national and international concern, with Amnesty International calling for a full investigation.
Hikima expressed serious concern for her safety before she was found.
“It could be that she is being tortured, or she could be lifeless. We are expecting the worst right now,” he said in a phone call with The PUNCH.
He also recalled that Hamdiyya had previously been abducted, strangled, and beaten nearly to death. “It takes the grace of God for her to even come back to life after she was rescued by a good Samaritan,” he said.
Hikima criticised the Sokoto State government for remaining silent and not investigating her earlier abduction. “Nothing has been done to crack down on those people who abducted this girl. The Sokoto State government is saying nothing, even though the evil is perpetrated on Sokoto soil,” he said.
In a statement posted online, Amnesty International demanded action from Nigerian authorities. “Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif — who the Sokoto State government charged with the ‘use of insulting or abusive language’ and ‘inciting disturbance’ — has been declared missing. Her lawyers and family have reported the matter to security agencies and the court,” the group said.
Hamdiyya was due to appear in court on May 21, 2025, as her trial continues.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in Sokoto, Ahmed Rufai, claimed the police had no knowledge of her disappearance. “We are not aware of her missing,” he said.