Amnesty Int’l Slams FG: Buhari Failed But Tinubu Still Has A Chance on Dadiyata
- Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government for its prolonged silence over the disappearance of vocal critic Abubakar Idris, known as Dadiyata
- Six years after his abduction, there has been no investigation outcome, no accountability, and no trace of his whereabouts
- The rights group warns that the case reflects a dangerous erosion of civic space and calls on President Tinubu to take decisive action
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Six years after the unexplained disappearance of university lecturer and outspoken government critic Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, Amnesty International has issued a scathing rebuke of the Nigerian government’s continued silence and inaction, describing the case as a stark failure to uphold human rights and protect its citizens.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Saturday, Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the government’s handling of the case, stating that the lack of progress was both painful for the family and a damning reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to justice.
Source: Facebook
“His family waited, hoping he would return that night. They waited and waited. From days to months, and now six years. We are still asking: where is Dadiyata?” Sanusi said.
Dadiyata was abducted from his home in Kaduna on 2 August 2019 by masked men who reportedly took him away in his own vehicle shortly after he returned from work. Since then, there has been no official explanation, no credible investigation, and no trace of his whereabouts.
Disappearance reflects authoritarian tactics
Sanusi suggested that the circumstances surrounding the abduction pointed to a targeted operation, likening it to tactics used in authoritarian regimes.
“This is the kind of disappearance that happens in authoritarian regimes, where the state or state-backed actors use abductions to spread fear and suppress dissent,” he said.
He stressed that regardless of whether the state was directly involved, the government remained culpable for failing to protect Dadiyata.
“Even if the government didn’t take him, they failed to protect him. Human rights are obligations that cannot be waived,” Sanusi added.
Amnesty International criticised Nigerian security agencies for failing to conduct a credible investigation, accusing them of offering only “weak and weightless” assurances.
“Six years on, we have no report, no arrest, no accountability. Nothing,” Sanusi stated.
Family devastated by years of silence
The emotional toll on Dadiyata’s family has been profound. His younger brother, Usman Idris, shared the heartbreak the family has endured.
“Our mother died waiting for him. One of our uncles died from the trauma. Our father is hanging on by a thread. We just want the truth. We want justice,” Usman said.
He described Dadiyata as a patriot who used his voice to advocate for a better Nigeria, not as a threat to society.
“He stood for justice. He spoke for ordinary Nigerians. And now, we don’t even know where he is or if he’s alive.”
Dadiyata’s wife, Khadija Ahmad Lame, expressed the anguish of raising their children in uncertainty.
“Our children ask, ‘Where is Daddy?’ I have no answers. We’ve lived in fear, confusion, and heartbreak every single day for six years,” she said tearfully.
Call for presidential action and civic protection
Amnesty International urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action and break the cycle of neglect that characterised the previous administration.
“The Buhari administration failed. President Tinubu now has a chance to show leadership by ordering a full, independent, and transparent investigation,” Sanusi said.
The rights organisation also warned that the increasing trend of silencing critics through harassment or enforced disappearances was shrinking civic space in Nigeria and sending a dangerous message.
“This is no longer just about Dadiyata. It is about every Nigerian who dares to speak truth to power. The silence must end. Six years is too long,” Sanusi concluded.
Mother of missing Dadiyata is dead
Legit.ng earlier reported that the mother of Abubakar Idris, the missing social media critic popularly known as Dadiyata, has died at the age of 66.
Daily Trust reported that she died on Tuesday, April 19, at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, where she was being treated.
Legit.ng gathers that the deceased's sons, Aminu and Usman, have confirmed the development.
Source: Legit.ng
