AGFCS demands justice for missing political activist Abubakar Idris

Stanley Ihedigbo

Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has expressed deep concern over the unresolved disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has been missing since August 2019.

On 2nd August 2019, Dadiyata, a 34-year-old lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma and a vocal advocate for civic engagement, was reportedly seized by unidentified armed men upon his arrival at his home in Barnawa, Kaduna State.

Since that day, he has remained unseen, making his disappearance one of Nigeria’s most troubling unresolved cases of enforced disappearance of civic actors.

Civil society organizations, both local and international, widely condemned the incident at the time and filed multiple lawsuits demanding accountability.

Despite these efforts, Dadiyata’s whereabouts remain unknown. Recent claims suggest his disappearance may have been politically motivated.

While the veracity of these claims is yet to be independently verified, the Action Group on Free Civic Space asserts that a prompt, transparent, and independent investigation by the Nigeria Police Force is urgently needed.

Media reports reference possible knowledge of the perpetrators, including claims of a police officer’s alleged confession.

According to the Rule of Law and Advocacy Accountability Centre (RULAAC), recent public remarks by Nasir El-Rufai, who was Governor of Kaduna State during the abduction, referenced Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, then Governor of Kano State, and an alleged confession by a police officer.

RULAAC noted that if these claims are accurate, they are “explosive” and warrant immediate action.

Enforced disappearance is a grave human rights violation and poses a direct threat to the constitutional rights to life, liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) and international human rights instruments.

Such incidents create fear and diminish civic space, making accountability critical for a functioning democracy.

AGFCS calls on the Inspector General of Police and relevant authorities to:
Initiate a transparent and independent investigation into all available information, including recent public statements.

Release the findings publicly and ensure clear communication with the family of Abubakar Idris.

Ensure full accountability for those responsible for the disappearance.

The disappearance of Dadiyata underscores the urgent need to protect civic space in Nigeria. AGFCS and its co-signing organizations stress that justice must not remain in abeyance. Dadiyata’s family deserves truth and closure, and Nigeria owes accountability.

The statement was signed by;
African Focus For Youth Development (AFFYD); Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding, Kaduna;
Spaces for Change | S4C; West Africa
Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication, Kwara; and
Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA).

Community Youths Arise Network, Bayelsa; Entrepreneurship Initiative for African Youth (EIFAY Africa);
Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation (FCT);
Elixir Trust Foundation; Open Society on Justice Reform Project (OSJRP),
Rule of Law Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and Dandalin Matasa Initiative for Rapid Development.