Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a government critic who vanished from his Kaduna residence on August 1, 2019.
A senior security source said the renewed probe has widened to examine alleged links between former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and members of his family.
Passport seizure linked to ongoing investigation
According to the source, the seizure of El-Rufai’s passport at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport last Thursday was a strategic move to prevent him from leaving the country amid the reopened investigation.
Authorities believe the former governor was aware of the probe and planned to return to Cairo after meetings with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The passport action reportedly disrupted that plan.
Security officials stressed that the measure does not amount to an arrest but was taken as a lawful precaution while inquiries continue.
Cold case review and fresh leads
The investigation was reportedly revived following months of discreet intelligence work and fresh leads suggesting possible involvement of key actors during the period of the abduction.
Dadiyata, a lecturer at Federal University Dutsinma, remains missing more than six years after his disappearance, despite sustained international attention and pressure from human rights organisations.
During a recent interview on ARISE News, El-Rufai reportedly claimed knowledge of a police officer who confessed to participating in the abduction, alleging the team involved came from Kano.
He maintained he was unaware of Dadiyata before the incident and suggested that, if any government should be questioned, Kano authorities should be.
Security officials, however, described the claims as troubling, questioning why such information was neither reported nor acted upon if credible.
Investigators are also reviewing past social media posts by his sons, Bello and Bashir, which allegedly portrayed Dadiyata as a hostile critic of the family.
The DSS said it is collaborating with anti-corruption agencies on related matters involving former associates of the ex-governor.
Meanwhile, political figures and civil society groups have intensified calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance.
