A vocal critic of Sokoto State Governor, Ahmeh Aliyu, Hamdiyya Sharif, who was reported missing on Tuesday, has been located in Zamfara State.
According to her lawyer, Abba Hikima, Hamdiyya is currently in a critical condition at the Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara, where she is under the watch of security personnel.
In a post on his official Facebook handle on Wednesday, Hikima confirmed the discovery of Hamdiyya’s location, stating, “We have been informed that Hamdiyya is in the Bakura General Hospital in Zamfara State. She is in a critical condition. But there are security personnel with her.”
Earlier, Hikima had raised alarm over her disappearance, saying that she had gone out to buy foodstuffs in Sokoto and had not been seen since 10:00 am on Tuesday.
Hamdiyya Sharif, an outspoken activist from Sokoto State, had garnered attention for her bold criticisms of the state government, particularly regarding issues of governance and security lapses.
In 2024, she was arrested and charged under local laws for “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” after her online posts targeted the administration of Governor Aliyu.
Her arrest drew national and international concern, with human rights groups like Amnesty International calling for immediate investigation and accountability from the Nigerian authorities.
