El-Rufai: DSS reopens probe into Dadiyata seven years after

The 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 security source familiar with the development disclosed that the renewed probe has expanded to examine alleged links between Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, and members of his family.

According to the source, the recent seizure of El-Rufai’s passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was a strategic step aimed at preventing him from returning to Cairo after a brief visit to Nigeria.

Read also: DSS files three-count cybercrime charge against El-Rufai

Investigators reportedly believed the former governor was aware of the ongoing review of the case and had scheduled meetings with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before planning to depart again.

The passport action, the source said, disrupted that itinerary.

The renewed investigation follows what officials described as months of discreet inquiries that prompted a reassessment of the cold case.

Authorities are said to be examining fresh leads suggesting possible involvement by key actors during the period of Dadiyata’s abduction.

Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma and a prominent social media commentator, has remained missing for more than six years despite sustained domestic and international advocacy by civil society and human rights organisations.

In a recent interview on ARISE Television, El-Rufai reportedly claimed knowledge of a police officer who allegedly confessed to participating in Dadiyata’s abduction, stating that the team involved was sent from Kano.

The former governor, according to the source, insisted he had no prior knowledge of Dadiyata before the incident and argued that if any government should be questioned over the matter, it was that of Kano State at the time.

Read also: El-Rufai arrives at EFCC as supporters, opponents clash in Abuja

Security officials, however, described the remarks as troubling, questioning why such information, if credible, was neither formally reported nor acted upon.

They also referenced past social media posts by El-Rufai’s sons, Bello and Bashir, which investigators believe portrayed Dadiyata as a hostile critic of the family.

Officials stressed that the seizure of the former governor’s passport does not amount to an arrest but is a lawful precautionary measure while investigations continue.

They further confirmed ongoing collaboration between the DSS, EFCC, and ICPC in examining related matters involving some former associates of the ex-governor.