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A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Hamdiyyah Sharif, a 19-year-old social commentator and advocate for improved governance in Sokoto State.
The CSOs also demanded full protection for her to ensure she enjoys her constitutional rights, including freedom of movement, expression, and personal liberty, without fear of reprisal.
The call came in a statement on Friday, with key figures from the coalition, including the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, addressing newsmen in Abuja.
Rafsanjani stressed the urgency of the situation, urging for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sharif’s disappearance and the allegations of state complicity.
“The state government should be focusing on addressing the suffering of the people, who have some of the highest poverty rates, almajiri, and out-of-school children in Nigeria, rather than targeting innocent citizens.”
He also recalled the 2020 #EndBadGovernance protests, which saw the unlawful detention of 29 minors who had participated in protests against Nigeria’s worsening economic situation and insecurity.
“Months after Civil Society pressure, they were released. However, many remain in deplorable conditions, without rehabilitation, psychosocial support, or access to justice,” Rafsanjani added, criticizing the lack of accountability for the police officers behind the detention.
Dr. Garba Dauda, the Director of the Centre for Democracy Development (CDD), reaffirmed the CSOs’ commitment to collective action, including supporting efforts to end violence against women.
“Should this situation remain unresolved and jeopardize this young girl’s life, we will escalate our advocacy to relevant international human rights bodies, including the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Dauda added.
He further noted that the CSOs would pursue legal redress through international mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and explore diplomatic measures, including calls for visa denial and asset seizures against those responsible.
The coalition, which includes Amnesty International Nigeria, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Global Rights, and other rights groups, has emphasized the need for urgent action.
Also participating are Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), among others.
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