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
IWD: My greatest investments are my three daughters – Otedola
Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.
“My greatest investments are my three daughters who make me proud every day. Happy International Women’s Day my angels,” wrote the billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.
His three daughters are Tolani, Florence (DJ Cuppy) and Temi.
The Chairman of First Holdco Plc stated this in an X post on Sunday to commemorate International Women’s Day.
The billionaire’s daughters are high flyers in various areas of personal endeavour. Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has named Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), the official spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force.
The appointment follows Disu’s recent assumption of office as the 23rd substantive IGP after confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu.
Placid replaces Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, who served in the role for about six months under former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Hundeyin’s tenure ended as part of a wider administrative reshuffle aimed at boosting efficiency, professionalism, and accountability within the Force.
DCP Placid, a seasoned senior officer, now assumes responsibility for the Force’s public communications, media engagement, and strategic messaging amid ongoing national security challenges.
Police authorities confirmed the appointment earlier today, with expectations that the new spokesperson will prioritize transparency, public trust, and stronger citizen-police relations.
Further details on Placid’s career background and the IGP’s specific directives are expected in forthcoming official statements from Force Headquarters.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep shock and profound sorrow over the sudden passing of one of its dedicated and highly respected chieftains, Dr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, who died at the age of 54.
In a press statement released today, the party described Dr. Dunkwu as an energetic, selfless, and fiercely loyal member whose tireless efforts played a major role in building and consolidating the APC’s structures in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State, and across broader regions.
Dr. Dunkwu passed away on March 7, 2026, after a brief illness. At the time of his death, he was serving as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON.
He had previously held the position of Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
A devout Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC), Dr. Dunkwu was also the President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation (NAqF), where he passionately advocated for the development of aquatic sports, grassroots talent nurturing, and youth empowerment.
Known for his vibrant life of public service and philanthropy, his contributions extended far beyond politics into community development and national sports administration.
The APC noted that his untimely departure has left “a yawning void that will be difficult to fill,” and emphasized that his legacy of dedication, loyalty, and service will be deeply missed by the party and the nation.
The party prayed for divine strength for his immediate family to bear the irreparable loss, and extended condolences to all APC members in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State, and across the country during this period of grief.
The statement closed with a poignant farewell: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home…
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.
”Fare thee well, dear compatriot!
Football Analysts Question CAF’s Exclusion of Nigerian Referee on 2026 World Cup List
IWD: 50 rights female gender should enjoy
IWD: My greatest investments are my three daughters – Otedola
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News3 days agoEFCC says 100 senior lawyers on trial for alleged financial crimes
-
News3 days agoFHC grants Malami, wife, son N200m bail each
-
Business3 days agoPolice Burst Factories in Anambra for Destroying Returnable Packaging Materials
-
Sports3 days agoWakama names D’Tigress squad for FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers
-
News3 days agoLagos Police Dismiss Four Officers Over Alleged Killing of Seven Traders
-
News3 days agoPolitical Thugs Set Rivers ADC Office On Fire
-
News3 days agoTinubu Assigns Jimoh Ibrahim to UN, Omokri to Mexico, Fani-Kayode to Germany, Yakubu to Qatar
-
International3 days agoPresident Tinubu Approves 65 Ambassadors for Postings [Full List]