The recent arrest and subsequent abduction and assault of Hamdiyya Sidi, an 18-year-old from Sokoto State, exposes troubling issues regarding the protection of citizens who speak up for good governance in Nigeria.
Development Diaries reports that according to Sahara Reporters, Sidi, who was arrested by the police in the state for ’embarrassing’ Governor Ahmad Aliyu on social media, was denied access to a lawyer or family members.
Sidi’s alleged crime was using her voice to call attention to the dire security situation in Sokoto State, where banditry and violence have left many communities devastated.
Rather than being appreciated for highlighting the plight of her community, she was reportedly arrested and arraigned secretly, and also subsequently abducted and assaulted by thugs allegedly linked to political figures.
This incident reinforces the critical need for security agencies to defend, not criminalise, those who call for accountability from their leaders.
The role of security agencies should be to protect citizens, especially when they advocate for good governance and highlight societal issues.
In a democracy, citizens like Sidi should have the freedom to speak out against government failures without fear of retribution.
Arresting Sidi on charges of ‘inciting unrest’ simply for expressing concerns about insecurity is concerning because the police in Sokoto State are indirectly saying that criticising the government is a punishable offence.
This action is also a violation of her constitutional rights and erodes public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the police alleging that Sidi incited villagers to take over government property raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the legal process she underwent.
The fact that she was reportedly denied access to a lawyer and her family during her secret arraignment is deeply concerning.
This development also highlights the urgent need for a reevaluation of the role of security agencies in Nigeria. The mandate of the police is to serve and protect all citizens, not to serve as an instrument for political persecution.
Instead of targeting citizens calling out public officers, law enforcement should be focusing on addressing the very issues Sidi bravely brought to light – the rampant banditry, sexual violence, and exploitation occurring in Sokoto State.
The attack on Sidi by alleged political thugs shortly after her release from police custody is another alarming dimension to this case.
In light of these developments, Development Diaries calls on state governors and political leaders to review their approach to handling criticisms from citizens.
Rather than targeting individuals who speak out against government failures, the government should welcome such feedback as an opportunity to address shortcomings and improve security.
We also call on the police in Sokoto State to conduct an independent investigation into the attack on Sidi and ensure justice is served.
