A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Sokoto has postponed the trial of 18-year-old social media activist Hamdiyya Sidi to March 13 and 14 for further proceedings.
Chief Magistrate Faruk Umar made the decision after Police Prosecutor Inspector Khalid Musa presented findings from an investigation led by Investigation Police Officer (IPO) Tukur Abdulhadi.
Sidi is facing charges of alleged incitement and spreading false information, particularly through a viral video that accused authorities of failing to address the growing insecurity in Sabon Birnin Daji and other areas in Sokoto State.
The video claimed that bandits frequently kidnap residents and extort large ransoms while officials fail to take action.
At the initial hearing, the prosecution argued that her actions violated the penal code, while Sidi denied the charges.
During the latest session, IPO Abdulhadi stated that the defendant’s statement had been recorded and submitted as evidence in both digital and translated formats. However, under cross-examination, Sidi’s lawyer, Mustapha Danjuma, pointed out that the statement had been taken without legal representation, raising concerns about due process.
Following intense exchanges between both legal teams, the court adjourned the case, maintaining the bail conditions previously granted to Sidi.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International and other advocacy groups have called for fairness and transparency in the trial, highlighting concerns over reported threats against Sidi and her lawyer, Abba Hikima.
A source suggested that Sidi had missed a prior court appearance due to safety concerns.