Kwankwaso Backs Probe into Dadiyata Disappearance, Seeks Compensation for Family
KANO — Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has thrown his weight behind a fresh police investigation into the 2019 disappearance of social media activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata. Kwankwaso also demanded that the government guarantee adequate compensation for Dadiyata’s family if the activist is still alive.
Speaking via his official social media handles on Saturday, Kwankwaso welcomed what he described as a decisive and long-overdue directive by Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ordering a comprehensive probe into the matter. The former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) called for the thorough investigation and prosecution of all persons responsible for the activist’s disappearance.
“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,” Kwankwaso said in a widely circulated statement.
Surveillance for Named Officers
While commending the IGP for the probe, Kwankwaso urged police authorities to place under close surveillance the senior officers implicated in fresh allegations surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance. He warned against any attempts to interfere with the process.
“I urge the police authorities to place the named individuals under close surveillance to prevent any interference with the process,” Kwankwaso added.
The investigation follows a petition filed by Kano-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge, and a damning testimony by Muhammad Musa Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to ex-Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle. Kamarawa, in his petition to the IGP, alleged that two police officers – CSP Hussaini Gimba and CSP Hassan Gimba – claimed responsibility for killing Dadiyata and another man, Saminu S/Fada Gusau, during a security operation dubbed “Operations Yaki” in Kaduna. Kamarawa further alleged that he witnessed the activist’s killing.
Call for Compensation
The former Kano governor also made a strong case for reparation. He called on the federal government to ensure that Dadiyata and his family receive meaningful compensation for the years of pain and uncertainty they have endured.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso also applauded civil society groups, the general public, and the legal community – particularly Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge – for their sustained advocacy and resilience in keeping the case alive over the years.
Background
Dadiyata, a lecturer in the Department of English and Linguistics at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State, was abducted in the early hours of August 2, 2019, from his home in Barnawa, Kaduna. Armed gunmen seized him as he drove into his compound, taking him away in his own vehicle. Nearly seven years later, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Kaduna-based Idris was known for his fierce criticism of then-Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and was a prominent supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement. Both Ganduje and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai have previously denied any involvement in his disappearance.
The IGP’s directive was preceded by a series of petitions and public pressure, including calls from rights activists and political commentators who described the new testimonies as a golden opportunity to finally unravel the mystery behind Dadiyata’s fate. Acknowledging receipt of the petitions, the IGP, through his Principal Staff Officer, confirmed that the matter had been referred to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Monitoring Unit for immediate action.
“We remain hopeful that this investigation will finally deliver truth and justice,” Kwankwaso declared.
