By By Elizabeth Ugbo
AMNESTY International has welcomed the directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of government critic and lecturer, Abubakar Idris. The police issued the directive on May 8, 2026, following petitions linking two serving police officers to the unresolved case. Authorities reopened the investigation nearly seven years after gunmen abducted Dadiyata from his Kaduna residence.
Amnesty Demands Transparent Investigation
Amnesty International described the directive as a major step toward justice. The organisation, however, urged authorities to conduct a transparent and independent investigation.
According to Amnesty International, investigators must act quickly and uncover the full circumstances surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance.
The rights group also called on authorities to protect everyone connected to the case from intimidation or reprisals.
Furthermore, Amnesty insisted that investigators should make their findings public once the inquiry ends.
The organisation stressed that anyone found guilty must face justice through fair legal proceedings.
Petition Triggered Fresh Investigation
The renewed investigation followed a petition submitted by human rights lawyer, Abba Fagge, to the Inspector-General of Police.
The petition demanded an independent probe into two senior police officers over alleged links to Dadiyata’s disappearance.
Reports revealed that the petition stemmed from claims made by Muhammad Kamarawa, a former aide to ex-Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle.
Kamarawa alleged that the officers threatened him during detention at Operations Yaki in Kaduna in 2021.
He also claimed the officers admitted involvement in Dadiyata’s killing.
Dadiyata Disappeared in 2019
Dadiyata worked as a lecturer in the Department of English and Linguistics at Federal University Dutsin-Ma.
Gunmen abducted him on August 2, 2019, from his residence in the Barnawa area of Kaduna.
Amnesty International said eyewitness accounts from his wife showed that two armed men with covered faces carried out the abduction.
Since then, family members, friends, and supporters have continued demanding answers about his whereabouts.
Ganduje, El-Rufai Deny Involvement
Dadiyata gained attention for criticising former Kano governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and supporting the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Both Ganduje and former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have repeatedly denied involvement in the disappearance.
Earlier in February 2026, the Department of State Services reopened investigations into the controversial case, drawing renewed public attention.
Amnesty Calls for Broader Action
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to address the wider issue of enforced disappearances across the country.
The organisation stated that victims and their families deserve truth, justice, and effective remedies.
It also called on authorities to strengthen accountability measures and prevent future cases of enforced disappearance.
