Group Knocks Governor Aliyu Over Arrest, Secret Trial Of Woman, Hamdiya Sidi, Who Lamented Rising Killings In Sokoto For 'Embarrassing' Govt

Take It Back Movement (TIB), a human rights advocacy organisation, has berated Governor Ahmad Aliyu-led Sokoto State government for tyrannically silencing critical voices in the state.

The TIB condemned the arrest and secret arraignment of a Sokoto woman identified as Hamdiya Sidi, by the state government for allegedly "embarrassing" Governor Aliyu, on social media.

The human rights advocacy organisation lambasted the state government for arresting and secretly prosecuting Hamdiya for exposing the state’s humanitarian crisis, noting that the intimidation against the woman is unlawful and threatens Nigerians’ right to freedom of expression.

“The Take It Back Movement condemns Hamdiyya Sidi's arrest for exposing Sokoto State's humanitarian crisis.

“The charges against her aim to silence critical voices. This intimidation is unlawful and threatens Nigerians' right to free expression,” TIB said.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Hamdiya was arrested during the weekend on the orders of the state government. 

She was subsequently arraigned secretly on Monday without having access to a lawyer nor family members, a source said.

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The woman had in a video lamented the insecurity in the state. 

Hamdiya had also demanded an end to the incessant killings in the state by gunmen.

Sokoto is one of states in the Northern region plagued by bandits who raid and loot villages, kill residents and burn houses to the ground.

Last week, bandits slaughtered four farmers in the Isa local government area of state.

Sokoto has joined in the harassment of social media and opposition voices over criticism of their governors.

Governors across the country are increasingly targeting opponents and social media users for allegedly insulting and embarrassing them.