A woman named Hamdiya Sidi was reportedly detained over the weekend for allegedly “embarrassing” Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu on social media, Chronicles Reporters has learned. Sources claim her arrest was ordered by state authorities, and she was later brought to court on Monday without any legal representation or contact with her family.
In a video that circulated widely online, Hamdiya voiced her concerns over escalating violence in Sokoto and called for an end to the persistent killings by armed groups. Her video was a bold plea for security in a state that has been beleaguered by bandit attacks, where criminals often loot, kill, and destroy entire villages. Just last week, bandits killed four farmers in Isa Local Government Area, highlighting the deteriorating security situation.
A relative of Hamdiya expressed distress over her arrest, sharing with Chronicles Reporters, “Our sister was detained simply because she highlighted the security challenges affecting Wurno and Sabo Birnin Local Governments. We urge the governor and the Commissioner of Police to secure her release.”
According to additional sources, Hamdiya was arrested on Sunday, days after her video drew attention on social media. The court proceedings on Monday were reportedly conducted in secret, and the charges allege she embarrassed the state governor. Her town has been one of several areas suffering from frequent attacks by bandits.
The crackdown on Hamdiya reflects a broader trend where citizens and opposition voices are being silenced across the country. Similar cases have been reported in other states, with individuals facing charges for criticizing state officials. In Gombe, for instance, another resident was arrested for expressing discontent with local governance on social media.
Last Wednesday, a Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi ordered the detention of Paul Gyenger, a 35-year-old man, at a custodial center after he allegedly called Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia a “chronic womanizer” online. Following a complaint by the governor’s Aide-de-Camp, ASP Ver Ingyatu, Gyenger was charged with cyberstalking and defamation.
The targeting of citizens for publicly voicing concerns or criticism against their leaders raises questions about freedom of expression in Nigeria, where social media has become a crucial platform for citizens to call for accountability.
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