News
Civil Society Group Urges Probe into Dadiyata’s 2019 Disappearance After Explosive Claims
The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), a coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, has called on the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the enforced disappearance of political activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, who vanished in August 2019.
Dadiyata, then a 34-year-old lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, was reportedly abducted by unidentified armed men on August 2, 2019, as he arrived at his home in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
Despite widespread condemnation from local and international groups, multiple lawsuits, and sustained advocacy, his whereabouts remain unknown more than six years later, making it one of Nigeria’s most prominent unresolved cases of enforced disappearance involving civic actors.
In a statement released on February 14, 2026, AGFCS expressed deep concern over recent public claims suggesting the disappearance was politically motivated.
The group highlighted statements by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during a recent live interview, where he reportedly pointed to former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as potentially responsible. El-Rufai referenced an alleged confession by a police officer said to have been involved in the operation, claiming officers were dispatched from Kano State.
According to AGFCS, which cited input from the Rule of Law and Advocacy Accountability Centre (RULAAC), these claims—if substantiated—would be “explosive.” The organization stressed that regardless of their accuracy, the allegations necessitate urgent official scrutiny.
“Enforced disappearance is a grave human rights violation and a direct threat to constitutional guarantees of the right to life, liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international human rights instruments,” the statement read. “When civic actors disappear without accountability, fear spreads and civic space shrinks.”
AGFCS urged the Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with relevant authorities, to:
- Initiate a transparent and independent investigation incorporating all available information, including recent public statements.
- Publicly release the findings and clearly communicate them to Dadiyata’s family.
- Ensure full accountability for anyone found responsible.
The group reiterated that enforced disappearances have no place in a democratic society and that Dadiyata’s family deserves truth and closure, while Nigeria requires accountability to prevent justice from remaining indefinitely delayed.
The renewed call comes amid heightened public attention following El-Rufai’s interview remarks and subsequent denials from Ganduje, who has rejected any involvement and described the allegations as baseless attempts to shift responsibility. Other voices, including Amnesty International, have also demanded an independent probe into the case.
Dadiyata, known for his social media commentary and criticism of political figures, remains a symbol of the risks faced by activists in Nigeria’s shrinking civic space. No official confirmation of his fate has emerged to date.
News
El-Rufai’ loses mother, Hajiya Umma
She died at a time El-Rufai remains in custody following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of detained former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is dead
Her grandson, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, confirmed the development on Friday in a Facebook post:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I would like to inform the public of the demise of my Grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai who passed away a few hours ago. She is the biological mother of our father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah SWT bless her gentle soul. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers.”
She died at a time El-Rufai remains in custody following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.
News
Kano Deputy Governor Resigns
The decision to step down does not amount to an admission of the allegations leveled against him by the Kano State House of Assembly.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, has resigned from office ahead an ongoing impeachment process by the State House of Assembly.
Spokesperson for Kwankwasiyya Movement , Habibu Mohammed, confirmed the resignation in a statement on Friday, stating that the decision was taken in the overall interest of the people and to ensure stability in the state’s governance.
The Assembly had earlier issued an impeachment notice to the deputy governor over allegations of misappropriation and gave him a two-week ultimatum to respond. The deadline elapsed penultimate Friday,
The statement explained that recent developments had significantly limited the deputy governor’s ability to fully discharge the responsibilities of his office, making it necessary for the position to function without constraints in the public interest.
It, however, clarified that the decision to step down does not amount to an admission of the allegations leveled against him by the Kano State House of Assembly.
The embattled deputy governor who is a strong ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso refused to follow the governor to join the APC.
The Abia State Government on Thursday, March 26, 2026, organised a grand state burial service in honour of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian evangelists and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.
The solemn ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It drew top government officials, religious leaders, and mourners from across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate the life and legacy of the cleric, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The remains of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a native of Asaga in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, were earlier received with full honours at the Akwa Ibom-Abia state boundary before being conveyed to Umuahia for the state funeral service.
The body had previously lain in state in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he resided for many years.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration described the late evangelist as a “towering figure” whose life of faith, leadership, and humanitarian impact left an indelible mark on Abia State, Nigeria, and the global Christian community.
The state burial was part of a week-long programme of funeral rites that culminated in the final interment on Friday, March 27, 2026, at his hometown of Asaga, Ohafia.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, born on January 7, 1945, was celebrated as an international preacher who ministered for nearly six decades. He was widely respected for his powerful crusades, teachings on faith and prosperity, and establishment of numerous charitable initiatives, including educational and medical outreach programmes.
Dignitaries in attendance included senior government functionaries, clergy from various denominations, and notable figures who paid glowing tributes to his spiritual legacy and contributions to nation-building through the gospel.
The state burial reflects Abia’s recognition of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s immense role in promoting moral values and spiritual development. Family members, while expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed on their patriarch, described his passing as a “glorious home-going.
”As the final interment proceeds today in Asaga, Ohafia, many have described the occasion as not just a farewell but a celebration of a life well-lived in service to God and humanity.
The Abia State Government has urged residents and visitors to observe the period with dignity and solemnity.
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