DSS Reopens Dadiyata Disappearance Probe and invites his wife for questioning nearly seven years after his abduction in Kaduna
The Department of State Services has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and has invited his wife for questioning, security sources confirmed in Abuja on Thursday.
Also read: Six years of agony: Dadiyata’s wife issues emotional plea for husband’s return
Abubakar Idris, a lecturer at Federal University Dutsinma, was declared missing on August 1, 2019, after gunmen reportedly abducted him from his residence in Kaduna. His whereabouts remain unknown nearly seven years later.
A security source said the DSS has revived the case as part of a broader review of unresolved missing persons cases.
The source added that the agency has begun contacting individuals connected to the matter, including Dadiyata’s wife.
The development follows renewed public attention after comments by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 14, 2026.
In a recent video interview released by Ambassador-designate Reno Omokri, Dadiyata’s wife, Kadijah, expressed fresh concerns over her husband’s disappearance and appealed for public support.
Kadijah said she continues to hope for her husband’s return and urged Nigerians to help the family ascertain whether he is alive or dead.
She also addressed a 2019 social media comment allegedly made by a son of a former Kaduna governor, describing the remark as hurtful.
Reno Omokri called on authorities to ensure justice and appealed to the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to provide support for the family.
The case resurfaced after Nasir El-Rufai denied any involvement in the disappearance. Nasir El-Rufai said Dadiyata was primarily critical of the Kano State government rather than the Kaduna administration.
Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, rejected the suggestion that the Kano government had any role in the matter and described the claims as unfounded.
A security source further disclosed that the DSS recently seized Nasir El-Rufai’s passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as investigations continue.
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The reopening of the investigation signals a renewed effort by authorities to resolve a case that has drawn sustained public scrutiny since 2019.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
