DSS reopens Dadiyata case, wife seeks answers as suspects face invitation

The Department of State Services has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of lecturer and social media commentator Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, with plans to invite suspects linked to the case.

Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma, was declared missing in August 2019 after gunmen reportedly abducted him from his residence in Kaduna. Nearly seven years later, his whereabouts remain unknown.

The renewed probe comes as his wife, Kadijah, voiced fresh concerns over his disappearance during a video interview with Reno Omokri, who shared the conversation on his X account.

Kadijah appealed to Nigerians for help in uncovering what happened to her husband.
“We pray that one day, he will come back,” she said, urging authorities and the public to assist the family in determining whether he is alive.

She also recalled a controversial 2019 social media post that mocked the campaign demanding information about Dadiyata’s whereabouts, saying she felt deeply hurt by the comment.

Kadijah narrated that the abduction occurred as her husband drove into their compound in Barnawa, Kaduna, explaining that she witnessed the incident from inside the house.

Omokri, who visited the family, pledged to support efforts to secure justice and called on Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to assist the family through improved living conditions, education support for the children, and employment opportunities.

The case resurfaced earlier this month following remarks by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who denied any involvement and argued that Dadiyata was primarily critical of the Kano State government rather than Kaduna authorities.

El-Rufai said he became aware of Dadiyata only after the abduction was reported to police and suggested questions should instead be directed at Kano authorities.

Responding, former Kano State governor Abdullahi Ganduje rejected any link to the disappearance, describing attempts to associate him with the case as unfounded and insisting the incident occurred entirely within Kaduna.

A security source said the DSS has expanded its probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance and other missing-person cases. The source added that investigators are set to invite individuals connected to the matter for questioning.

The source also claimed that El-Rufai was aware of the investigation involving him and his sons, while authorities were taking steps to ensure cooperation as inquiries continue.

Dadiyata’s disappearance has remained one of Nigeria’s most high-profile unresolved missing-person cases, continuing to attract public calls for accountability and answers for his family.