The Department of State Services (DSS) has reopened its investigation into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and is preparing to invite individuals linked to the case for questioning.
Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina State, was reported missing on August 2, 2019, after unidentified gunmen allegedly abducted him from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna. Nearly seven years later, his whereabouts remain unknown.
The renewed investigation comes amid fresh concerns raised by his wife, Kadijah, who spoke in a video interview released by former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, on his X account. Omokri visited Kadijah at her home and pledged support for her and her two children, assuring them of his commitment to seeking justice.
Speaking emotionally, Kadijah appealed to Nigerians to help uncover the truth about her husband’s fate. “We pray that one day, he will come back,” she said, urging anyone with information to come forward and clarify whether he is alive or dead.
She also addressed a controversial 2019 social media post allegedly made by the son of a former Kaduna State governor, which appeared to mock her husband’s disappearance. According to her, she only became aware of the post after someone showed it to her, as she did not have a phone at the time. She described the comment as hurtful and difficult to process.
Kadijah recounted that she witnessed the abduction from a window as her husband was attacked shortly after driving into their compound.
Omokri called on Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to provide support for the family, suggesting possible assistance with relocation, education for the children, or employment for Kadijah. He stated that the nation owed the family a duty of care.
The case resurfaced publicly on February 14, 2026, when former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, denied any involvement in Dadiyata’s disappearance. He argued that Dadiyata was more critical of the Kano State government than Kaduna’s administration and claimed he was unaware of him prior to the reported abduction.
In response, former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, dismissed attempts to link him to the incident, describing such claims as baseless and an effort to shift responsibility for an event that occurred in Kaduna State.
A security source disclosed that the DSS has also reportedly taken steps to prevent El-Rufai from travelling abroad while investigations continue. The agency is said to be examining the involvement of several individuals in connection with Dadiyata’s disappearance.
The unresolved case continues to draw public attention, with renewed calls for accountability and justice nearly seven years after the incident.
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