Amnesty urges credible probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance as IG orders investigation

Amnesty International has welcomed the directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordering an investigation into the enforced disappearance of government critic and academic, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, nearly seven years after he was abducted in Kaduna State.

 

In a statement on Sunday, the rights organisation described the development as a significant step, noting that it followed petitions alleging the involvement of two serving police officers in the case.

 

Amnesty said the decision to refer the matter to the Police Monitoring Unit “follows petitions raising serious allegations against two serving police officers in connection with the case.”

 

The organisation, however, stressed that the investigation must go beyond formality, insisting it should be prompt, impartial and transparent.

 

“The authorities must ensure that the investigation is prompt, impartial, transparent, effective, and capable of establishing the full circumstances surrounding Dadiyata’s enforced disappearance,” it said.

 

The development follows a petition submitted by human rights lawyer, Abba Fagge, calling for an independent probe into alleged links between two senior police officers and the disappearance.

 

According to reports referenced in the petition, claims were made by a former aide to ex-Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, alleging threats during detention and suggesting responsibility for Dadiyata’s killing.

 

Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, was abducted in the early hours of August 2, 2019, from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State by armed men.

 

Amnesty International said eyewitness accounts from his wife indicated that “two armed persons who covered their faces abducted Dadiyata,” adding that his fate has remained unknown since then.

 

The organisation said it has consistently demanded accountability in the case, noting that his family and supporters have continued to seek answers for nearly seven years.

 

It also called for protection of all individuals connected to the investigation, urging authorities to safeguard them against intimidation or reprisals.

 

Amnesty further demanded that the findings of the investigation be made public and that anyone found culpable, regardless of rank, should face prosecution in line with international fair trial standards.

 

The group also urged the Nigerian government to address the wider issue of enforced disappearances, insisting that victims and their families deserve truth, justice and effective remedies.

 

Dadiyata was known for his political commentary and criticism of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as his support for the Kwankwasiyya movement. Both Ganduje and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have denied any involvement in his disappearance.