Did Sokoto court pass jail term, 12 strokes of cane on 18-year-old over government criticism?

We erroneously published a news report stating that Hamdiyya Shariff, an 18-year-old Nigerian , had been sentenced by a Sokoto court to 12 strokes of the cane, two years imprisonment, or a ₦50,000 fine for criticizing the government.

However, recent fact-checks and clarifications have revealed that this information was incorrect.

Hamdiyya’s case is still ongoing, and no judgment has been passed as of now.

Her arrest in November 2024 followed a series of online videos where she voiced concerns over the rising insecurity in Sokoto State.

In the videos, she lamented frequent attacks by bandits, the displacement of residents, and the exploitation of vulnerable women.

Authorities allege that Hamdiyya used “abusive language” against Governor Ahmed Aliyu in one of her TikTok videos and charged her with “inciting disturbance.”

However, translated transcripts of her videos presented in court reportedly show no direct incitement or insult to the governor.

The case has drawn attention from Amnesty International, which condemned the threats and intimidation faced by both Hamdiyya and her lawyer, Abba Hikima.

Importantly, the Sokoto State Police Command has debunked viral social media claims about a sentence being issued. Amnesty International also confirmed that the trial is still in progress.