A coalition of civil society organisations has demanded the immediate release of Hamdiyyah Sharif, a young activist from Sokoto State, from police custody. The campaign, led by Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, was launched in Abuja on Friday.
“Sharif is a teenage social commentator who only spoke out about the insecurity and killings in her community,” Rafsanjani stated. He added that the young woman had been vocal about the lack of government response to the continuous attacks by bandits, which have displaced many residents.
Sharif’s Disappearance and Unclear Detention
According to Rafsanjani, Sharif was first declared missing by her legal team but was later found in a hospital in Bakura, Zamfara State, under unclear circumstances. She is now believed to be in police custody in Zamfara, although authorities have not fully disclosed the details.
“What’s happening to Hamdiyyah should worry everyone,” Rafsanjani said. “A young Nigerian citizen should not be punished for demanding safety and accountability.”
This situation has drawn outrage from other civic leaders. Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, urged the Inspector-General of Police to personally intervene in the matter. “Silencing young voices weakens democracy,” he said.
Civil Society Urges Action from Women Leaders
Omolara Balogun of the West Africa Civil Society Institute called for an independent investigation. She questioned the role of the Sokoto State government in Sharif’s disappearance and said justice must be served. Balogun also called on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Sokoto First Lady Fatima Ahmed Aliyu to speak up.
Dauda Garuba from the Centre for Democracy and Development emphasized that young people must be protected and that civic space should not be restricted. “If citizens cannot question their leaders without fear, we are heading in the wrong direction,” he said.
The coalition insists that Hamdiyyah Sharif must be freed now, stressing that her continued detention raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the safety of young citizens who engage in national conversations.
Free Hamdiyyah Sharif Now
Her continued detention for speaking against insecurity is a threat to democratic values. Civil society leaders believe that punishing youth for voicing their concerns sends a dangerous message. If Nigeria wants progress, it must protect, not punish, its young voices.
