Six Years After Disappearance, Kaduna Influencer Dadiyata Confirmed Dead Following Independent Investigation
Abubakar Idris, the Kaduna-based social media influencer and political commentator popularly known as Dadiyata, has been confirmed dead, over six years after his mysterious disappearance.
The heartbreaking revelation comes following an extensive independent investigation led by public affairs analyst and social critic, Damilola Adekunle.
Dadiyata was abducted at gunpoint from his Barnawa residence in Kaduna State in August 2019, shortly after gaining prominence for his sharp critiques of powerful political figures.
His sudden disappearance sparked national outrage and widespread concern, with many Nigerians suspecting political motivations behind his abduction.
In the wake of his vanishing, a robust online campaign emerged under the hashtag #WhereIsDadiyata, demanding accountability and answers from authorities.
Supporters and activists across the country rallied in solidarity, with many changing their social media profile pictures to his image, seeking to keep his case in the public eye and to pressure relevant stakeholders into action.
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Damilola Adekunle took to her official Facebook page to share the devastating findings of her private inquiry. “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 wrote.
The confirmation follows the launch of a N10 million investigation fund initiated by Adekunle on May 4, 2025, which aimed to unearth credible, fact-based information regarding Dadiyata’s fate.
The fund catalyzed new leads and testimonies that ultimately led to the conclusion of his death, although further details about the circumstances remain undisclosed at the time of reporting.
Dadiyata’s death, while deeply painful, brings a grim end to years of uncertainty for his family, friends, and the broader community of Nigerians who have advocated for his safe return.
His case had come to symbolize the dangers faced by outspoken citizens and digital activists in Nigeria, particularly those who use their platforms to challenge political authority and demand reform.
The confirmation of his death is likely to reignite conversations about enforced disappearances, freedom of expression, and the protection of activists and critics in Nigeria’s democratic space. For many, Dadiyata was more than a voice online—he was a symbol of courage in the face of systemic silence.
As the country reacts to this news, questions remain about who was behind his abduction and death, and whether justice will ever be served.
