The Action Group on Free Civic Space has demanded accountability over the unresolved disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has been missing since August 2019.
In a press release dated 14 February 2026 and titled “AGFCS Demands Accountability Over the Forced Disappearance of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata”, the coalition expressed deep concern that his whereabouts remain unknown more than 6 years after he was reportedly seized by unidentified armed men.
According to the statement, on 2 August 2019, Dadiyata, described as “a political activist and a 34 year old lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin Ma,” was reportedly taken as he arrived at his home in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
“He has remained unseen ever since,” the group said, noting that local and international civil society organisations widely condemned the incident and filed several lawsuits challenging the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The coalition described the case as “one of Nigeria’s most troubling unresolved cases of enforced disappearance of civic actors.”
Referencing recent public claims about the circumstances of the disappearance, the group said whether or not they are accurate, “the only responsible path forward is a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.”
Citing the Rule of Law and Advocacy Accountability Centre, the statement quoted: “recent public comments by Nasir El Rufai then Governor of Kaduna State during the period of Dadiyata’s abduction during a live interview have raised grave concerns regarding the enforced disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata.
“In that interview, El Rufai reportedly pointed fingers at Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was the Governor of Kano State at the time of Dadiyata’s abduction. He also referenced an alleged confession by a police officer purportedly involved in the operation. If these claims are accurate, they are explosive.”
The coalition stressed that enforced disappearance is a grave human rights violation and a threat to constitutional guarantees, including the right to life, liberty, dignity and freedom of expression under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, as well as other international human rights instruments.
“When individuals especially civic actors disappear without accountability, fear spreads, and civic space shrinks,” the group warned.
The Action Group on Free Civic Space therefore called on the Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with relevant authorities, to immediately “initiate a transparent and independent investigation into all available information, including recent public statements.”
It further urged authorities to “release the findings of the investigation to the public and communicate them clearly to the family of Abubakar Idris” and to “ensure full accountability for those responsible.”
The coalition reiterated that “enforced disappearance poses a grave threat to civic space and has no place in any democratic society.”
“Dadiyata’s family is owed truth and closure, and Nigeria is owed accountability. Justice must not be allowed to remain in abeyance,” the statement added.
The press release was jointly signed by several civil society organisations, 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.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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