Ganduje Denies Alleged Role in Abduction of Kano Critic Dadiyata as El-Rufai Revives 2019 Disappearance Claims
Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Former Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has firmly rejected allegations linking him to the 2019 disappearance of Kano-based government critic Abubakar Idris Dadiyata, describing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated. The renewed controversy follows remarks by former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who referenced the unresolved disappearance during a recent public engagement, suggesting that questions remained over the circumstances surrounding Dadiyata’s abduction. Ganduje responds: “Baseless Allegations”In a statement issued through his media aides, Ganduje dismissed any connection to the incident, maintaining that he had no involvement in the disappearance of the outspoken social media commentator. The former governor characterized the accusation as “baseless” and lacking credible evidence. Ganduje governed Kano State from 2015 to 2023 and has consistently denied previous insinuations tying him to the case. His camp argues that attempts to link him to Dadiyata’s disappearance are politically charged and unsupported by investigative findings. The 2019 disappearance Dadiyata, a vocal critic of the Kano State government at the time, was reportedly abducted by unidentified men in August 2019 from his residence in Kano. His disappearance sparked nationwide outrage, with civil society groups, media organizations, and human rights advocates demanding transparency and accountability.Despite investigations by security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, no definitive public findings have been released, and Dadiyata’s whereabouts remain unknown. The case has since become emblematic of broader concerns about enforced disappearances and civic space in Nigeria. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have repeatedly called on authorities to provide clarity and ensure justice. Nigerian media outlets including Premium Times, Daily Trust, and Channels Television have reported extensively on the case and the political exchanges surrounding it. Political undercurrents El-Rufai’s comments have reintroduced the matter into national political discourse, highlighting ongoing tensions among key political figures in northern Nigeria. While El-Rufai did not present new evidence, his remarks have intensified calls for an independent and transparent investigation into Dadiyata’s fate.Analysts note that the resurfacing of the issue underscores the unresolved nature of the case and its continued resonance within Nigeria’s political landscape. As Nigeria navigates complex governance and security challenges, the disappearance remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by outspoken citizens and critics. Calls for accountability civil society organizations continue to press for an independent probe, arguing that the passage of time should not diminish accountability. Legal experts emphasize that unresolved disappearances erode public trust in democratic institutions and weaken the rule of law. As of the time of this report, there has been no official update from federal authorities regarding fresh investigations into the matter. SourcesPremium Times; Daily Trust; Channels Television; Amnesty International; BBC News.
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