The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has renewed calls for accountability over the unresolved disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has been missing since August 2019.
In a statement released on February 14, 2026, the coalition expressed deep concern over the continued uncertainty surrounding Dadiyata’s whereabouts nearly seven years after his reported abduction.
Dadiyata, a 34-year-old lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, was allegedly seized by unidentified armed men on August 2, 2019, upon arriving at his residence in the Barnawa area of Kaduna State. Since then, he has not been seen.
AGFCS described the case as one of Nigeria’s most troubling unresolved incidents involving the enforced disappearance of a civic actor, noting that both local and international civil society organisations have condemned the incident and filed lawsuits demanding answers.
The coalition also referenced recent claims suggesting the disappearance may have been politically motivated, stressing that such allegations require urgent and transparent investigation by the Nigeria Police Force. According to AGFCS, media reports have cited possible knowledge of individuals allegedly linked to the incident, including claims of a purported confession by a police officer.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) was quoted in the statement as raising concerns over remarks reportedly made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during a live interview.
RULAAC alleged that El-Rufai pointed to former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as having potential links to the incident, alongside references to an alleged confession by a police officer said to be involved in the operation. The claims remain unverified.
AGFCS warned that enforced disappearance constitutes a serious violation of constitutional rights, including the rights to life, liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression as guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights instruments. The group stated that such incidents create fear and undermine civic space in democratic societies.
The coalition called on the Inspector General of Police and relevant authorities to immediately launch a transparent and independent investigation into all available information, including recent public statements relating to the case. It also urged authorities to publicly release investigation findings and ensure they are clearly communicated to Dadiyata’s family, while demanding full accountability for anyone found responsible.
AGFCS stressed that justice for Dadiyata remains critical not only for his family but also for strengthening democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Several organisations co-signed the statement, including African Focus for Youth Development, Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding (Kaduna), Spaces for Change West Africa, Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (Kwara), 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, and Dandalin Matasa Initiative for Rapid Development.
