*Amnesty International Slams Govt Silence as “Chilling Message to Critics” By Alhassan Abdullahi, Kaduna Six years a...
*Amnesty International Slams Govt Silence as “Chilling Message to Critics”
By Alhassan Abdullahi, Kaduna
Six years after the mysterious abduction of Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, his family and Amnesty International have renewed calls for justice and government accountability, describing the continued silence over his fate as a grim symbol of Nigeria’s shrinking civic space and disregard for human rights.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the federal government’s failure to resolve the case, accusing authorities of perpetuating a culture of impunity.
“His family waited, hoping he would return that night. They waited and waited. From days, to months, to years. Now it’s six years. We are still asking: where is Dadiyata?” Sanusi asked.
Dadiyata, a university lecturer and influential social media commentator known for his outspoken criticism of political injustices, was abducted on August 2, 2019, by masked gunmen at his Kaduna residence. Since then, no trace of his whereabouts has been found, and no one has been held accountable.
Sanusi described the activist as a “principled and energetic voice” who gave expression to the frustrations of ordinary Nigerians through his fearless online advocacy. “His disappearance reflects patterns common in authoritarian regimes, where enforced disappearances are used to instil fear and suppress dissent,” he warned.
While Nigerian authorities have consistently denied involvement, Amnesty International insists that the government bears responsibility for both the abduction and the failure to ensure justice.
“Even if the government didn’t take him, they failed to protect him. Human rights are state obligations,” Sanusi stressed. “Six years on, there has been no investigation result, no update, no justice—absolutely nothing.”
The rights group also accused security agencies of issuing hollow assurances, describing their actions as “weak and weightless promises.”
The family of Dadiyata spoke emotionally about the devastation his disappearance has caused. His younger brother, Usman Idris, recounted how their lives have been upended.
“Our mother died still hoping to see him. One of our uncles died from the anguish. Our father is barely holding on,” Usman said. “He was not a criminal—he was a patriot who believed in using his voice for a better Nigeria. But he paid the price for that courage.”
Khadija Ahmad Lame, Dadiyata’s wife, tearfully described the pain of raising their children in uncertainty. “They keep asking me, ‘Where is Daddy?’ I have no answers. We live in grief every single day,” she said.
Sanusi urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by reopening the investigation and ensuring transparency and justice.
“Time is running out. The family needs closure. The country needs answers. The government must be the search party,” he said.
Amnesty International also warned that the continued inaction sends a dangerous signal to other citizens who dare to criticise those in power.
“This is not just about Dadiyata. It’s about all Nigerians who speak truth to power. His disappearance is a chilling message to every dissenter,” Sanusi said.
The organisation vowed to sustain the call for justice and accountability. “Justice delayed must not be justice denied. Where is Dadiyata?”
The press conference marked a somber anniversary, as Dadiyata’s name continues to echo as a haunting reminder of the dangers of activism and the pressing need for institutional reform in Nigeria’s security and justice systems.
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