Hamdiyyah Sharif, a prominent social media critic of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who went missing on Tuesday, has been found in critical condition at Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State
Her lawyer, Abba Hikima, revealed the development in a Facebook post written in Hausa on Wednesday, stating, “We have been informed that Hamdiyyah is in the Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State. She is in a critical condition. But there are security personnel with her.”
Hamdiyyah was last seen around 10 a.m. on Tuesday after leaving her Sokoto residence to buy foodstuffs. Her disappearance immediately triggered widespread alarm among family members, human rights groups, and her legal team, who feared the worst given her history of clashes with authorities.
In 2024, she was charged with “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting public disturbance” for her posts criticizing Governor Aliyu. The charges drew national attention and condemnation from groups like Amnesty International.
Speaking to Punch, Hikima said, “Our fear is no more than the fact that she could not be found. Her situation could be anything. It could be that she is being tortured, or she could be lifeless. I mean, we are expecting the worst right now.”
He recalled a prior incident where Hamdiyyah had been abducted, strangled, and beaten nearly to death before being rescued. “Before now, this same girl was abducted and strangled and beaten almost to death,” he said, expressing frustration that no one had been held accountable for that attack. “Nothing has been done to crack down on those people who abducted this girl… The Sokoto State government is saying nothing, despite the fact that the evil is perpetrated on Sokoto soil.”
Amnesty International has called for an immediate investigation into her disappearance and condition. In a statement issued Wednesday, the organization noted that Sharif was due in court the same day for the continuation of her trial.
“Her lawyers and family have already reported the matter to security agencies in Sokoto and the court where she is standing trial,” the statement read. “Hamdiyyah is supposed to appear in court today, May 21, 2025.”
Despite the outcry, Sokoto State Police said they were unaware of her disappearance. “We are not aware of her missing,” said police spokesperson Ahmed Rufai.
Hamdiyyah’s reappearance in a critical state far from Sokoto has raised serious concerns about her safety and the role of authorities in ensuring justice and protection for outspoken citizens.
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