• Public investigator reveals findings after ₦10m probe
• Activist’s disappearance sparked years of public outcry and suspicion
Kaduna, Nigeria — Six years after his mysterious disappearance, popular Kaduna-based social media influencer and government critic, Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, has been confirmed dead.
The confirmation came from public commentator and social critic, Damilola Adekunle, who led an independent investigation into Dadiyata’s case. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Adekunle revealed that her months-long investigation had led to a grim conclusion.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce that after thorough investigations, I can confirm that Idris Abubakar, popularly known as Dadiyata, is officially dead. #Dadiyata was killed,” she wrote.
Dadiyata, a known supporter of former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and a vocal critic of high-ranking politicians, was abducted at gunpoint from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State, on August 2, 2019.
A Disappearance That Sparked National Attention
His disappearance became a national issue, drawing condemnation from rights groups and social media users who suspected a politically motivated abduction. Amnesty International Nigeria repeatedly called on the government to provide answers, describing the case as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and free expression.
Tragically, Dadiyata’s mother died in 2022 without knowing the fate of her son. She had remained vocal in her calls for justice until her final days.
₦10 Million Investigation Launched
On May 4, 2025, Adekunle publicly announced the launch of a ₦10 million investigation fund, offering a reward to anyone who could provide verifiable information about Dadiyata’s fate. The appeal was widely circulated on social media and reignited national interest in the unresolved case.
“I am launching a ₦10 million fund to reward anyone that can give me a fact-based investigation into what happened to Abubakar IDRIS (aka Dadiyata),” Adekunle posted.
Though details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unclear, the confirmation has brought a painful closure to a long-standing mystery that haunted his family and followers.
Demand for Accountability Continues
Dadiyata’s death is likely to intensify calls for a formal inquiry into his abduction and the potential role of political actors in his disappearance. Human rights advocates are renewing their demand for justice, with several urging the federal government to open an independent investigation into the matter.
Until now, no arrests have been made, and no government agency has officially taken responsibility for his abduction or death.
