Kaduna, Nigeria – February 27, 2026 – Hundreds of youths and women took to the streets of Kaduna metropolis on Thursday in a peaceful demonstration, marching to the Government House to press for accountability regarding the unresolved disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and to call for a comprehensive public audit of the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The protest commenced at the busy UTC roundabout in the state capital, where participants assembled before proceeding in an orderly procession to the seat of government. Demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and held aloft placards bearing pointed messages that reflected widespread frustration over governance, security lapses, and financial transparency during El-Rufai's tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Among the inscriptions on the placards were: “We demand public scrutiny, audit now,” “Malam Nasir El-Rufai, where is Dadiyata?” “Publish loan agreement and spending breakdown now,” “Kaduna lived in fear, we want the truth,” and “Sponsoring protest cannot protect El-Rufai, he must still face prosecution.” The messages underscored demands for clarity on past security challenges, including reported attacks on communities, kidnappings, and general insecurity that marked parts of the former administration.
Abubakar Idris, better known as Dadiyata, was a university lecturer and vocal social media commentator who frequently critiqued government policies. He was reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen from his residence in the Barnawa area of Kaduna on August 2, 2019. Despite extensive searches and public outcry at the time, his whereabouts have remained unknown for over six years, leaving his family in anguish and fueling persistent suspicions and conspiracy theories in the state and beyond.
The case regained national attention recently following remarks attributed to former Governor El-Rufai in media interviews, including one on Arise TV, where he denied any involvement by his administration in the disappearance. El-Rufai has maintained that Dadiyata's criticisms were directed more toward another state government rather than his own, and he has consistently rejected links to the incident.
Addressing journalists at the protest venue, one of the organisers, Anas Yusuf, emphasised that the demonstration was driven purely by the quest for accountability rather than partisan politics. “We are not here for politics; we are here for accountability,” Yusuf stated. He referenced the years of community attacks, abductions, and pervasive fear that residents endured, insisting these experiences demanded thorough examination rather than dismissal.
Another key figure in the protest, Joseph Chori, described Dadiyata's disappearance as “an open wound” that continues to haunt the state. “A family still waits. Kaduna still asks: what happened?” Chori said, highlighting the emotional toll on the missing man's relatives and the broader public.
In addition to justice for Dadiyata, the protesters called for an independent public security audit of El-Rufai's administration to scrutinise handling of insecurity issues. They further demanded full transparency regarding a $350 million loan facility secured from the World Bank during the former governor's term. Participants urged the current state government to publicly release the loan agreement, detailed expenditure breakdowns, and information on repayment obligations, arguing that public debt burdens citizens and requires open explanation.
The demonstration occurred amid ongoing scrutiny of El-Rufai's legacy, including separate allegations of financial impropriety that have surfaced in various probes. While some reports have referenced investigations or detentions related to other matters involving the ex-governor, El-Rufai and his supporters have dismissed many claims as politically motivated.
No immediate official response was issued from the Kaduna State Government House following the march, though such protests typically prompt acknowledgments or referrals to relevant authorities. The peaceful nature of the event was widely noted by observers, with participants maintaining discipline throughout the procession.
The protest reflects deeper sentiments in Kaduna over governance, justice, and transparency in public affairs. Dadiyata's case, in particular, has symbolised unresolved grievances from the past administration, with civil society groups and individuals periodically renewing calls for investigation. A recent push by organisations like The Sterling Centre for Law and Development has urged federal authorities to establish an independent, time-bound probe into the disappearance, citing renewed public interest sparked by El-Rufai's comments.
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, such demonstrations highlight the enduring impact of past events on public discourse and trust in leadership. Stakeholders, including human rights advocates and opposition figures, have watched closely, viewing the event as part of a broader demand for reckoning with historical issues in the state's political landscape.
The organisers vowed to sustain pressure until concrete steps are taken toward resolution, including renewed efforts to locate Dadiyata or provide definitive answers to his family. The march concluded without reported incidents, leaving the onus on authorities to address the raised concerns in the interest of healing and accountability.
