Amnesty urges Tinubu to act on Dadiyata’s disappearance six years on
By Hussaina Yakubu
August 02, 2025
Amnesty International Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take personal interest in the unresolved case of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who was abducted from his Kaduna home six years ago.
The organisation made the call at a press conference on Saturday in Kaduna, to mark the sixth anniversary of Dadiyata’s disappearance.
Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Mr Isa Sanusi, said President Tinubu must demonstrate leadership by doing what his predecessor failed to do ensure a credible investigation into the case and bring answers to the family.
“President Tinubu must take interest in the case of Dadiyata and direct security agencies to reveal what has been done to find him. The family and Nigerians deserve the truth, not silence,” Sanusi said.
He said Dadiyata, a university lecturer and social media critic, was abducted on Aug. 2, 2019, by masked gunmen at the gate of his home in Kaduna, and has not been seen since.
Sanusi described the continued silence from the authorities as disturbing, saying the lack of meaningful action for six years reflects weak commitment to human rights and accountability.
“Even if the government had no hand in his abduction, it has clearly failed in its duty to protect his rights and provide justice for his family,” he said.
The Amnesty chief described enforced disappearance as a serious human rights violation under international law and urged the President to ensure such practices do not become tolerated in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Dadiyata’s brother, Usman Idris, said the family had endured trauma and heartbreak, including the loss of their mother and uncle, amid the uncertainty surrounding his fate.
He added that their father’s health had deteriorated due to years of emotional distress, while the family continued to wait for justice.
Dadiyata’s wife, Khadija Ahmad Lame, said their children were growing up without their father and constantly asked painful questions about his whereabouts.
She appealed to the President and security agencies to intervene and end the family’s long standing agony. (NAN)