18-Year-Old Lady Sentenced to 12 Strokes of Cane, 2 Years in Prison or ₦50K Fine for Speaking Out Against Insecurity

An 18-year-old Nigerian woman, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, has reportedly been sentenced to two years in prison, along with 12 strokes of cane or an alternative fine of ₦50,000, after she spoke out about rising insecurity in Sokoto State.

In a video circulating on X (formerly Twitter), Hamdiyya is seen expressing frustration over the constant bandit attacks affecting communities in the region. Her video, which went viral, criticized the security situation and reportedly included comments directed at Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

According to reports, Hamdiyya was arrested in November 2024 by unidentified armed men while retrieving her phone. During the arrest, she was allegedly beaten and even thrown from a moving tricycle, leaving her severely injured.

She was later charged with “inciting the public” and “using abusive language against the governor.”

Her case was heard in both Sharia and Magistrates’ Courts, ultimately leading to her sentencing. 

See videos below………

Any update on Hamdiya Sidi’s case?

She was arrested after lamenting the insecurity and the negligence of the Sokoto State Governor.

While other states are progessing, our northern state governments are arresting anyone who dares to question their incompetence.#FreeHamdiyaSidi pic.twitter.com/tS5KmrhDPO

— Saadatu Madaki (@saadatumadaki) November 9, 2024

So she got arrested and taken to court after making these videos

And some unknown people also beat her till she couldn't walk

Does that mean people can’t speak when they’re getting killed by bandits?#justiceforhamdiyyasidisharif pic.twitter.com/VEvdqpgqyF

— Northern blog (@northern_blog) November 11, 2024