18-years old Lady Bags 12 Cane Strokes, 2 Years Jail or ₦50k Fine for Speaking Up on Insecurity

Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, an 18-year-old Nigerian woman, has been sentenced to 12 strokes of the cane, two years in prison, or a ₦50,000 fine for raising concerns about insecurity in Sokoto State. Arrested in November 2024, Shariff had posted videos describing rising violence, displacement, and sexual abuse risks in her community.

Authorities accused her of inciting unrest and insulting Governor Ahmed Aliyu, though court transcripts showed no such intent.

She was allegedly kidnapped, beaten, and thrown from a moving vehicle before facing charges in both Sharia and Magistrates’ Courts.

Amnesty International condemned the threats against Shariff and her lawyer, calling the case an abuse of power. They urged authorities to focus on tackling insecurity in the region instead of punishing critics.

See some reactions below:

@Kelvin32187330: “Muslims are not humans. I have been saying this and will keep saying it, just imagine, trying to shut down someone who’s speaking out against bad governance and her own people are trying to shut her up.”

@Giddy_On1234: “What power do those damned fulani bandits hold over our govt that they are getting this level of protection. It will not be well with any govt official involved in these carnage. The blood of the innocent will demand revenge on them and their useless generations.”

@oladimejiisaac1: “This country is in a mess.. you have to keep quiet even if you’re dying.. what’s the purpose of being a law-abiding citizen if the laws won’t do right.”

@OceanfieldA: “No social media activist from the core north see it fit to cry on her behalf. So shameful.”

@yewande_bolaji: “It is obvious some people are just all out to defend politicians. Imagine this nonsense.”

@BrotherJusticeD: “One of the reasons Muslim extremists country will continue deteriorating in all ramifications. Using Islam religion to silence criticism.”