Amnesty International raises alarm over continuous detention of Hamdiyya despite health concerns

Amnesty International has raised alarm over the continued detention of Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif by the Zamfara State Police Command, despite urgent medical concerns following her abduction and alleged mistreatment.

The rights group said her condition requires immediate attention, but she remains in custody amid jurisdictional demands from the Sokoto Police Command.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday, Amnesty International said:

“We have received disturbing reports that the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State, has held Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif in custody, despite the need to give her urgent medical treatment after her abduction. Sokoto police are insisting Hamdiyya must be handed to them.”

The organization condemned what it described as an increasing clampdown on critics by Sokoto State authorities, particularly Governor Ahmed Aliyu, urging the government to uphold democratic values and respect for dissent.

“Sokoto State Governor Mr. Ahmed Aliyu’s frightening intolerance of dissenting voices through heavy-handed clampdown on critics is unacceptable in a free society. No one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion that is contrary to that of government,” Amnesty stated.

Amnesty International raises alarm over continuous detention of Hamdiyya despite health concerns