The Department of State Services (DSS) has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, and plans to summon suspects linked to the case.

Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina State, went missing on August 1, 2019, after armed men reportedly abducted him from his residence in Kaduna. Nearly seven years later, his whereabouts remain unknown.

The renewed probe coincides with fresh concerns expressed by Kadijah, Dadiyata’s wife. In a video interview with Ambassador-designate Reno Omokri, shared on his X handle on Thursday, Kadijah appealed for public support in locating her husband. Omokri, who visited her at home, pledged to seek justice for her family.

“We pray that one day he will return,” Kadijah said, urging Nigerians to help determine whether her husband is still alive. She also recounted witnessing the abduction from her window on August 2, 2019, as Dadiyata alighted from his car in their compound.

Kadijah further addressed a 2019 social media post that she described as mocking her husband. The post, reportedly made by the son of a former Kaduna State governor, read: “Those same clowns who encouraged him when he was creating false stories and capitalizing on lies that could endanger lives solely for political ends are the same individuals trending hashtags asking, ‘#WhereisDadiyata.’” Kadijah described the comment as deeply upsetting.

Omokri reassured Kadijah that, if Dadiyata is alive, he will be returned safely, and that justice will be pursued in the unlikely event of his death. He also appealed to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to assist the family in areas such as relocation, education, or livelihood support, emphasizing Nigeria’s duty of care.

The case has drawn renewed attention after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai denied involvement, claiming Dadiyata was mainly critical of the Kano State government rather than Kaduna. El-Rufai stated that he only became aware of Dadiyata after the family reported the abduction to the police.

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje also dismissed any connection, describing the allegations as “reckless, unfounded, and a clear attempt to shift responsibility” for an incident that occurred entirely within Kaduna State.

A security source told The PUNCH that the DSS recently seized El-Rufai’s passport at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to prevent him from travelling abroad while investigations continue. The DSS is reported to be preparing to summon El-Rufai’s sons for questioning in connection with the case.