A coalition of civil society groups, including the Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) among others has condemned the alleged harassment and unlawful treatment of teenage activist, Hamdiyyah Sharif, over her criticism of the Sokoto State Government’s response to insecurity.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the coalition is demanding the immediate and unconditional end to all forms of surveillance and intimidation against Miss Sharif, insisting that she be allowed to fully exercise her constitutional rights to freedom of movement, expression, and personal liberty.
Sharif, a vocal social media commentator and advocate for good governance, reportedly went missing days after she publicly decried the government’s failure to respond to deadly bandit attacks in her community. She was later found hospitalized in Bakura, Zamfara State, under unclear circumstances.
Her disappearance and the events leading to her hospitalization have sparked outrage across human rights circles, with groups alleging state complicity in a coordinated effort to silence her.
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Addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, the coalition led by the CSLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani said it is disturbing that a teenager who simply spoke out against killings and displacement in her community became a target of persecution.
“The fact that Hamdiyyah ended up in a hospital miles away from home, without explanation, raises serious questions,” said Rafsanjani. “We fear this is a deliberate attempt to break her spirit.”
While the Sokoto State Government has yet to officially comment on the matter, the coalition said the pattern of intimidation reflects a broader culture of silencing dissent in the state.
“This is not just about Hamdiyyah,” a rights advocate noted. “We saw minors jailed during the #EndBadGovernance protests. The state machinery is increasingly being used to crush the weak, while the powerful roam free.”
The groups also urged an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance and hospitalisation, with particular attention to allegations of state involvement.
The coalition insisted that anyone found responsible for violating her rights must be held accountable, warning that impunity will only fuel further abuses. In addition, they stress the urgent need for the judiciary to resist political pressure and uphold the Constitution, which remains the last hope for justice, particularly for the most vulnerable.
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Furthermore, the groups called on women in leadership—particularly First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, wife of the Sokoto State Governor—to speak out in defence of Miss Sharif as a matter of gender solidarity and justice.
They also urged key oversight bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission and relevant National Assembly committees, to launch inquiries into this case and similar incidents, as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and democratic accountability.
The coalition said the ordeal will not be forgotten, warning that a growing database of human rights abuses will be used to hold government officials accountable ahead of the 2027 elections.
“If this is not addressed, we will escalate the matter globally,” the coalition warned. “Those behind this cruelty will face international scrutiny, and their visas and assets won’t be safe.”
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They also threatened that those found to be involved in the persecution and harassment of Miss Hamdiyyah Sharif would be reported to international human rights bodies and foreign diplomatic missions. This, they said, could lead to severe consequences, including the denial of visa applications and restrictions on international travel.
The groups, however, urged the Inspector General of Police and other relevant authorities to immediately caution the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and ensure an end to the unwarranted threats and intimidation against the innocent teenager.