Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused ex-Kano State governor Abdullahi Ganduje of responsibility for the abduction and presumed murder of social media critic Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
Dadiyata, a vocal online critic of the Kaduna State government at the time, disappeared in August 2019 after being abducted by suspected gunmen.
El-Rufai denies involvement
Speaking on an Arise TV programme on Friday, El-Rufai rejected allegations linking him to the activist’s disappearance, insisting attention should instead be directed at Kano authorities.
He claimed that a police officer allegedly confessed that operatives from Kano were involved in the abduction.
“Three years after Dadiyata was abducted, a policeman posted from Kano to Ekiti confessed they were sent from Kano to abduct him,” El-Rufai said.
He added that Dadiyata’s social media posts were largely critical of Ganduje and unrelated to Kaduna State governance.
Background to the case
According to El-Rufai, Dadiyata was:
an indigene of Kano State,
residing in Kaduna at the time of his disappearance, and
working as a lecturer in Katsina State.
He was also described as a supporter of former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ganduje’s estranged political ally.
Police react
Reacting to the allegation, Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the police had begun reviewing the claim.
“We have taken note of the assertion and are carrying out our findings… We do not work with hearsay; facts will emerge from investigation,” he said.
He added that the police would brief the public after concluding their inquiries.
Status of the investigation
Ganduje had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
Dadiyata’s whereabouts remained unknown for years following his abduction. In June 2025, social media commentator Damilola Adekunle, who earlier pledged a ₦10 million reward for information, announced that her investigation indicated he had been killed, though authorities have not officially confirmed his death.
The case continues to draw national attention amid calls for a transparent investigation and justice for the missing activist.
