Deborah Akinyosoye
A popular social media influencer based in Kaduna State, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who disappeared over six years ago, has been confirmed dead after a thorough investigation led by investigative public commentator and social critic, Damilola Adekunle.
Dadiyata went missing after being abducted by armed men at gunpoint from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
Many believed his disappearance was politically motivated due to his vocal criticism of prominent politicians and his support for former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso.
In a shocking revelation, Adekunle announced on Wednesday on her Facebook page that her investigation had confirmed Dadiyata’s death.
“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 stated.
This confirmation comes after Adekunle launched a N10 million investigation fund on May 4, 2025, seeking fact-based information on Dadiyata’s disappearance.
“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 had posted.
Since his abduction on August 2, 2019, his family and supporters have been left in the dark about his fate. Even Amnesty International Nigeria has been calling for answers, with the organisation questioning the Nigerian government’s handling of the case.
Recalled that his mother, who passed away in 2022 while he was still missing, had been seeking justice for her son.
Dadiyata’s disappearance had elicited widespread outrage and concern, with many attributing his abduction to his vocal criticism of government and politicians.