A Nigerian court has sentenced an 18-year-old activist, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, for a social media post in which she criticized growing insecurity and killings in Sokoto State.
The ruling, delivered by Chief Magistrate Faruk Umar at the Sokoto Chief Magistrates’ Court, gave her a choice between two years in prison, ₦50,000 fine, or 12 strokes of the cane.
Hamdiyya was arrested on November 13, 2024, shortly after she posted her frustration and fear over the rising violence in Sokoto. Her comments, though reflective of public sentiment, were labeled “inappropriate” by authorities, prompting swift prosecution.
The sentencing has triggered widespread outrage across human rights and digital rights groups, who argue that punishing a peaceful online statement is a threat to freedom of expression.
“Hamdiyya’s case represents a troubling attempt to silence young voices,” said a spokesperson for a Nigerian civil rights organization. “This pattern is becoming more common—where youth expressing legitimate concerns online are met with punishment instead of protection.”
Critics say this case highlights a growing clampdown on dissent in Nigeria, particularly among socially active youth who turn to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to call out insecurity and governance failures.
As the story continues to spark debate nationwide, many Nigerians are calling for a review of policies that criminalize speech, especially when it reflects citizens’ fear, frustration, and desire for change.
