Senator Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso. Photo: X/KwankwasoRM
Former Kano State governor and national political figure, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has welcomed the decision by the Inspector General of Police to reopen investigations into the disappearance of activist and social commentator, Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
Kwankwaso, in a statement shared on his X handle on Saturday, described the latest development as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” following recent allegations linking some police officers to Dadiyata’s disappearance.
Dadiyata, a vocal government critic, was abducted in Kaduna in August 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
Reacting to the recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-governor, Kwankwaso said he had followed the matter closely over the years and consistently pushed for accountability.
“I have been made aware of the recent testimony by a former aide to a former state governor, in which he alleged that police officers claimed responsibility for the disappearance of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata in Kaduna,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former presidential candidate noted that since Dadiyata’s abduction, he and his associates had continually prayed and advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Since his abduction in 2019, my associates and I have consistently prayed and advocated for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible for his disappearance to justice,” he said.
Kwankwaso also commended the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for directing a fresh investigation into the case.
“It is therefore reassuring that the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into this matter. I commend the Inspector General for this decisive and long-overdue action,” he added.
He further urged security authorities to closely monitor individuals allegedly mentioned in the testimony to prevent any attempt to obstruct the investigation.
“While we await the outcome of the investigation, I urge the police authorities to place the named individuals under close surveillance to prevent any interference with the process,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former governor also called on the government to provide support and compensation to Dadiyata and his family if the investigation confirms the allegations and if the missing activist is found alive.
“I also call on the government to ensure that, upon conclusion of the case, Abubakar Dadiyata (if still alive) and his family receive adequate compensation for the immense trauma and suffering they have endured,” he said.
Kwankwaso praised Nigerians and civil society advocates who have sustained pressure for justice over the years, while specifically acknowledging the contribution of legal practitioner, Abba Hikima Fagge.
“I equally commend the general public for their sustained advocacy and resilience in keeping this case alive, as well as Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge for his pivotal role in this latest development,” he noted.
He expressed optimism that the renewed investigation would finally uncover the truth surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance.
“We remain hopeful that this investigation will finally deliver truth and justice,” Kwankwaso concluded.
