A Sokoto Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday adjourned the case of Hamdiyya Sidi, a social media activist accused of public nuisance, to March 13 and 14 for defence.
Chief Magistrate, Faruk Umar, gave the adjournment after Police Prosecutor, Insp Khalid Musa, led in evidence the case Investigation Police Officer, IPO, Mr Tukur Abdulhadi.
The 18 years old accused person was charged for allegedly circulating content capable of inciting disturbance on a social media platform.
She was accused of authoring a group clip that allegedly highlighted authorities’ negligence regarding continued banditry in Sabon Birnin Daji and other parts of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria.
According to the First Information Report, FIR, she alleged that bandits continued to abduct people and demand ransom in remote villages without any concrete action from authorities.
When the case was first mentioned, the Police Prosecutor said the offence contravened the penal code law, while Sidi denied the allegation.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, the witness stated that he was the IPO and had obtained the accused person’s statements.
He presented a flash drive and a translated version of the statement, which the judge admitted as exhibits.
During cross-examination, Defence Counsel, Mr. Mustapha Danjuma, questioned Abdulhadi, who admitted the statement was taken without the accused’s legal representative.
He also revealed that the drive came from a desktop computer where he stored the clips.
The trial judge adjourned the case to March 13 and 14 for further hearing and ordered the accused to remain on the bail previously granted. NAN
Spinal Cord Association Unveils 5-point Policy To Support PwDs
To ensure the wellbeing of individuals with spinal cord injuries, Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, SCIAN, has launched a five-point institutional policy to address challenges facing Persons with Disabilities, PWDs.
SCIAN’s Technical Assistant, Mr Yusuf Iyodo, presented the policy at a training organised in Lagos, on Friday.
Iyodo, said the policy would strengthen the body and offer support to its members.
The five-point policy includes child protection, protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, financial guidelines, and conduct of interest.
Iyodo, who stressed the significance of ‘The Strategic Plan,’ explained that the child protection policy was designed to ensure a safe environment for children with disabilities. It is part of SCIAN’s broader goal to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
According to him, “These policies have been drafted and operationalised for immediate adoption. We are now conducting training for our members to ensure proper implementation.”
As a lawyer, Iyodo also noted that the policy would attract donors, encouraging them to invest in SCIAN’s development. A budget for advocacy and data research has been allocated.
A major portion of the budget is earmarked for establishing standard rehabilitation centres in Nigeria, which would eliminate the need to send patients abroad for treatment.
“If we have quality rehabilitation centres with the necessary equipment, patients can access treatment at subsidised rates, allowing for better rehabilitation and reintegration,” Iyodo added.
He highlighted that the Strategic Plan identifies key stakeholders, including government, the private sector, donors, philanthropists, and development partners. SCIAN plans to engage these groups for support.
Women and children will receive more focus in SCIAN’s gender advocacy programme, given their vulnerability in society. Iyodo pointed out that women with disabilities face unique challenges.
“Surveys show that women with disabilities encounter double or even triple challenges compared to others with disabilities. Our policy aims to ensure they are not left behind,” he said.
SCIAN’s Interim National President, Mr Abdulwahab Matepo, stressed the importance of institutionalising policies to strengthen the governing structure of the association. This aligns with international best practices.
He added, “To attract support from international NGOs, we must run SCIAN in the best possible way, respecting the rights of women, children, and workers.”
Matepo, also decried the negative treatment of Persons with Disabilities by the public, urging for greater awareness and inclusion. NAN
