“This draconian sentence is a gross violation of Hamadiyya’s rights to freedom of expression, dignity, and liberty, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. The right to speak out against insecurity should be safeguarded, not criminalized.”
The Leeway Peace and Human Rights Initiative has issued an urgent appeal to the Honorable Governor of Sokoto State, the Chief Judge, the Attorney General, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sokoto, and various human rights organizations, demanding the immediate release of 18-year-old Hamadiyya. The young woman has been unjustly sentenced to 12 strokes of the cane and two years in prison for merely exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Hamadiyya’s “offense” was voicing her concerns about the rising insecurity in her community, a matter of public interest that, according to human rights advocates, should not be punished but rather encouraged as part of democratic discourse. The Initiative argues that this sentencing is a severe violation of Hamadiyya’s fundamental rights, including those guaranteed by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as well as international human rights law.
Musa Dauda, a representative from the Initiative, expressed profound outrage at the ruling. He stated, “This draconian sentence is a gross violation of Hamadiyya’s rights to freedom of expression, dignity, and liberty, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. The right to speak out against insecurity should be safeguarded, not criminalized.”
The Initiative emphasized several immediate concerns regarding the case:
- Violation of Freedom of Expression: The sentencing of Hamadiyya has set a dangerous precedent that may discourage citizens from raising their voices on critical community issues. The group argues that a free society must protect the freedom of its people to express grievances, especially concerning safety and security.
- Disproportionate Punishment: The 12 strokes of the cane and prison sentence are described as excessively harsh and inhumane. Human rights activists argue that such punishment is degrading and violates Nigeria’s obligations under international law, which prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
- Impact on Hamadiyya’s Future: The Initiative warns that the sentence could severely disrupt Hamadiyya’s education and personal development. Denying her the opportunity to grow as an individual and an educated citizen would have far-reaching consequences on her future.
The Leeway Peace and Human Rights Initiative is calling for the immediate release of Hamadiyya, the quashing of her sentence, and a review of the judicial process that led to this outcome to ensure fairness. They also urge the Sokoto State Government to revise its laws and policies, ensuring they comply with international human rights standards, particularly in relation to freedom of expression.
The group is rallying human rights organizations, media professionals, and concerned citizens to join in the call for justice, asserting that this case is emblematic of the broader fight to protect free speech and human dignity in Nigeria.
For further details or to get involved, the Leeway Peace and Human Rights Initiative can be contacted via email at law.ahri@gmail.com or by phone at 09048045302.
“We must stand together to protect the rights of individuals to express themselves freely and hold authorities accountable for their actions,” Dauda concluded.
The appeal remains open for further support, as activists seek to reverse what they describe as a gross miscarriage of justice.
