Esther Salifu
Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, a prominent social media influencer and vocal government critic who vanished in 2019, has been confirmed dead following an independent investigation. The revelation brings a somber conclusion to a case that has captivated national attention and raised concerns over enforced disappearances in Nigeria.
On August 2, 2019, Dadiyata was abducted at gunpoint from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State. His disappearance sparked widespread outrage, with many suspecting political motives due to his outspoken support for former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso and criticism of key political figures.
For years, his family and the public sought answers. His mother, who campaigned tirelessly for information about her son’s fate, passed away in 2022 without closure. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, repeatedly pressed the government for clarity on the case.
In May 2025, investigative commentator and social critic Damilola Adekunle launched a ₦10 million reward for credible information regarding Dadiyata’s fate. On June 11, 2025, she announced via Facebook that her thorough investigations confirmed Dadiyata’s death. “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,” she wrote.
