Dadiyata Confirmed Dead Six Years After Abduction, Police Remain Silent

Kaduna-based social media influencer Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, who disappeared over six years ago, has reportedly been confirmed dead following an independent investigation by public commentator and social critic Damilola Adekunle. However, authorities have yet to officially confirm the development or release a statement.

Dadiyata was abducted at gunpoint from his Barnawa home in Kaduna State on August 2, 2019. Since then, his whereabouts remained unknown, sparking years of concern and advocacy for his safe return.

On Wednesday, Adekunle announced via Facebook that her investigation had concluded he was no longer alive.

“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. #Dadiyata was killed,” she wrote.

Her revelation comes after she launched a N10 million investigation fund on May 4, 2025, offering a reward for credible information about what happened to him.

“I am launching a N10 million fund to reward anyone that can give me a fact-based investigation into what happened to Abubakar Idris (aka Dadiyata). If you know what happened to him, dead or alive, please come to my DM,” she stated at the time.

Since his abduction, Dadiyata’s family, human rights advocates, and supporters have demanded accountability. Amnesty International Nigeria has repeatedly criticized the Nigerian government’s handling of the case and urged transparency.

Dadiyata’s mother, who died in 2022, never stopped seeking justice for her son. His disappearance had ignited widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation.

Despite Adekunle’s recent findings, the police and relevant authorities have yet to respond or confirm the report.