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Abba Hikima, Esq., lead counsel for Hamdiyya Sidi Shareef—the young woman arrested over a critical TikTok video targeting Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu—has dismissed circulating social media claims suggesting that his client has been sentenced.
In an exclusive interview on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Hikima clarified that the matter remains before the court, with the defence only just opening its case.
“The case is still ongoing. We just concluded today’s proceedings with the commencement of the defence case. We presented one of our planned defence witnesses, who was successfully taken by the court,” Hikima stated.
He further confirmed that the case has now been adjourned until the 22nd and 23rd of next month, when additional defence witnesses are expected to testify. He called on the public to disregard misleading information being shared online.
“We urge the public and the media to disregard and debunk any reports or rumours suggesting that Hamdiyya has been sentenced. Such information is false and misleading,” he added.
The lawyer’s statement comes in response to viral posts falsely alleging that Hamdiyya had been sentenced to 12 strokes of the cane, two years imprisonment, or a fine. No such judgment has been issued.
Hamdiyya is currently facing charges from the Sokoto State Government for allegedly using “insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” in a TikTok video critical of Governor Aliyu. She remains under trial, and no final verdict has been delivered.
The case has continued to draw public scrutiny, particularly since her secret arraignment in November 2024, during which she was reportedly denied access to legal representation or her family.
