A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on the Nigerian government to compensate missing activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata and his family if investigations confirm that he is still alive.
Kwankwaso made the demand on Saturday while reacting to recent claims linking some police officers to the disappearance and alleged killing of Dadiyata, who has been missing since 2019.
The former governor spoke after fresh allegations emerged from Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle.
Kamarawa had alleged that Dadiyata was killed by police officers in Kaduna State and claimed he witnessed discussions surrounding the incident. He also submitted a petition to the Nigeria Police Force on Thursday, accusing some officers of involvement in the disappearance of the activist.
The fresh claims have once again brought national attention to the unresolved case of Dadiyata, whose disappearance has remained one of Nigeria’s most talked-about missing person cases in recent years.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and outspoken social media commentator, was abducted by unknown gunmen from his residence in Kaduna on August 1, 2019. Witnesses said armed men seized him outside his home and drove away, while his wife and neighbours watched helplessly.
Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown despite years of public campaigns, protests and repeated demands for answers from activists, civil society organisations and family members.
Many of his supporters believe his disappearance may have been connected to his criticism of political leaders and government policies, especially his social media posts concerning some northern state governments.
Before his disappearance, Dadiyata had built a strong following online for his political commentary and activism. He was known for openly challenging politicians and speaking on governance, accountability and social justice issues.
Reacting to the latest developments, Kwankwaso commended the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the matter.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, the politician said the new allegations should be treated seriously and thoroughly investigated.
“I have been made aware of the recent testimony by a former aide to a former state governor, in which he alleged that police officers claimed responsibility for the disappearance of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata in Kaduna,” Kwankwaso stated.
He said he and his associates had consistently demanded a proper investigation into the activist’s disappearance since 2019.
“Since his abduction in 2019, my associates and I have consistently prayed and advocated for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible for his disappearance to justice,” he said.
Kwankwaso described the police decision to reopen the case as a welcome development, noting that many Nigerians had waited years for concrete action.
“It is therefore reassuring that the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into this matter. I commend the Inspector General for this decisive and long-overdue action,” he added.
The politician further urged police authorities to place all individuals mentioned in the allegations under close monitoring to prevent interference with investigations.
“While we await the outcome of the investigation, I urge the police authorities to place the named individuals under close surveillance to prevent any interference with the process,” he said.
Kwankwaso also called on the government to support Dadiyata and his family if investigations eventually reveal that he is still alive.
“I also call on the government to ensure that, upon conclusion of the case, Abubakar Dadiyata, if still alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the immense trauma and suffering they have endured,” he stated.
He further praised Nigerians, activists and legal practitioners who continued pushing for justice in the case despite years without progress.
Kwankwaso specifically acknowledged the role played by Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge, whom he said contributed significantly to the latest developments surrounding the case.
“I equally commend the general public for their sustained advocacy and resilience in keeping this case alive, as well as Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge for his pivotal role in this latest development,” he added.
He expressed hope that the renewed investigation would finally uncover the truth behind the activist’s disappearance.
“We remain hopeful that this investigation will finally deliver truth and justice,” he said.
The disappearance of Dadiyata has over the years become a major symbol of concerns about freedom of expression, human rights and security in Nigeria.
Several rights groups have repeatedly demanded transparency and accountability from security agencies, arguing that the prolonged silence surrounding the case damaged public confidence.
Human rights advocates have also raised concerns about enforced disappearances and the safety of critics who openly challenge authorities online.
In the years following Dadiyata’s abduction, his wife and relatives repeatedly appealed to the government and security agencies for information about his whereabouts.
Public campaigns demanding justice for him were carried out both online and offline, with hashtags and protests drawing attention to the unresolved case.
Despite the pressure, investigations appeared to make little progress publicly until the latest allegations surfaced.
The Nigeria Police Force has not yet released detailed findings regarding the new claims, but the order for a comprehensive probe has already generated renewed public interest.
For many Nigerians, the outcome of the investigation will be closely watched as a test of the country’s commitment to justice, accountability and protection of civil rights.