The Action Group on Free Civic Space has issued a plea for accountability regarding the ongoing disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, commonly referred to as Dadiyata, who has been unaccounted for since August 2019.
In a press statement released on 14 February 2026, titled “AGFCS Demands Accountability Over the Forced Disappearance of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata”, the coalition expressed significant concern over his unresolved case which has persisted for over six years since he was allegedly abducted by unknown armed individuals.
On 2 August 2019, Dadiyata, a 34-year-old lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin Ma, was reportedly taken from outside his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
“He has not been seen since then,” noted the coalition, emphasizing that both local and international civil rights organizations have widely condemned the situation and initiated various legal actions regarding the conditions of his disappearance.
The case has been described by the coalition as one of Nigeria’s most alarming unresolved instances of enforced disappearance involving civic figures.
Referencing recent public assertions regarding the case's circumstances, the coalition asserted that regardless of the accuracy of those claims, “the only responsible path forward is a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.”
The statement cited the Rule of Law and Advocacy Accountability Centre, sharing, “recent statements made by former Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State during a live interview have raised serious concerns regarding the enforced disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, known widely as Dadiyata.”
In that interview, it was reported that El Rufai implicated Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was the Governor of Kano State when Dadiyata was abducted, and also mentioned a supposed confession from a police officer believed to be involved in the operation. If these allegations hold true, they are serious and concerning.
The coalition highlighted that enforced disappearance is a grave violation of human rights and undermines constitutional rights, including the right to life, liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and various international human rights laws.
“When individuals, particularly civic actors, vanish without accountable processes, a culture of fear proliferates, and the civic space contracts,” the group cautioned.
In light of these concerns, the Action Group on Free Civic Space has called on the Inspector General of Police to collaborate with relevant bodies to swiftly “initiate a transparent and independent investigation into all available evidence, including recent public declarations.”
They further urged that the findings of this investigation be made public and communicated clearly to the family of Abubakar Idris, as well as ensuring accountability for those responsible.
The coalition reinforced that “enforced disappearance represents a severe threat to civic spaces and should have no place in a democratic society.”
“The family of Dadiyata deserves transparency and closure, and Nigeria demands accountability. Justice must not be sidelined,” the statement emphasized.
The press release was co-signed by several civil society groups, including African Focus For Youth Development, Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding Kaduna, Spaces for Change S4C West Africa, Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative, Community Youths Arise Network Bayelsa, Entrepreneurship Initiative for African Youth, Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation FCT, Elixir Trust Foundation, Open Society on Justice Reform Project, Rule of Law Accountability Advocacy Centre, and Dandalin Matasa Initiative for Rapid Development.
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