Vanished in the Night: Questions, Rights and the Rule of Law in the Disappearance of a Kaduna Politician

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG

“As uncertainty surrounds the fate of Hon. Kamaluddeen Abdullahi, Nigeria confronts the deeper crisis of unlawful detentions, insecurity and eroding public trust.”

The sudden disappearance of Hon. Kamaluddeen Abdullahi, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillorship aspirant from Limancin Kona Ward in Kaduna State, has triggered alarm, confusion and outrage among political observers, civil society advocates and residents of the community. According to accounts from family members and associates, unidentified men arrived at his residence on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in two vehicles (a brown Toyota Sienna and a black Toyota Corolla) and forcibly took him away without presenting a warrant or offering any explanation. Days later, there remains no official confirmation of his whereabouts, the agency responsible or the reason for the alleged arrest.

The incident, still shrouded in uncertainty, speaks to a larger national anxiety about due process, state accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria. Whether the act was a criminal abduction or a security operation conducted outside the bounds of constitutional procedure, the absence of official information raises troubling questions about citizens’ rights and the state’s responsibility to uphold them.

Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the rights of arrested or detained persons are clearly defined. Section 35 stipulates that any individual taken into custody must be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and brought before a court within a “reasonable time.” This reasonable time is interpreted as 24 hours where a competent court is within reach, and 48 hours in other cases.
The law further guarantees access to legal representation and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Legal analysts emphasize that these provisions are not merely procedural formalities but the bedrock of democratic governance. Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana has consistently argued that constitutional safeguards against arbitrary detention are essential to protecting citizens from state abuse and ensuring humane treatment in custody.

If the claims surrounding Abdullahi’s disappearance are accurate and if he was indeed taken by security operatives without explanation, then the matter transcends partisan politics. It becomes a question of constitutional compliance and public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

Across Nigeria, similar cases have drawn scrutiny from civil society and international observers. In 2024, the detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu for over a week without being charged in court sparked criticism from press freedom advocates and human rights groups, who described the act as a violation of Nigeria’s own legal standards.
The Committee to Protect Journalists noted that the law requires suspects to be charged or released within 48 hours, warning that prolonged detentions undermine democratic norms.

Such incidents have contributed to a growing perception that Nigeria’s criminal justice system often falls short of constitutional guarantees. Scholars of African governance frequently point out that when citizens cannot distinguish between lawful arrests and unlawful abductions, the legitimacy of the state itself is called into question.

Political scientist Professor Larry Diamond of Stanford University has long argued that “the rule of law is the foundation of all democratic governance; without it, institutions become instruments of coercion rather than justice.” His observation resonates strongly in situations where arrests occur without transparency, accountability or judicial oversight.

The circumstances of Abdullahi’s disappearance also unfold against the backdrop of a broader security crisis in northern Nigeria. Kaduna State, like much of the region, has faced persistent threats from banditry, kidnappings, and armed attacks on communities. A recent report highlighted the abduction of hundreds of worshippers from churches in Kaduna, with conflicting accounts from authorities and religious leaders regarding the fate of the victims.
The discrepancy in official narratives has deepened public mistrust and reinforced fears that citizens are increasingly vulnerable with both to criminal gangs and to opaque security operations.

This climate of insecurity complicates the narrative surrounding any disappearance. In a country where kidnappings for ransom are widespread, the line between criminal abduction and unofficial detention can become dangerously blurred. The result is a population that feels unprotected and uncertain about the institutions meant to guarantee its safety.

Legal scholars warn that arbitrary arrests or unexplained detentions, even when conducted under the banner of national security, can produce long-term damage to democratic culture. Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, has often noted that “when the state itself begins to disregard the law, it licenses lawlessness in society.” His statement underscores the paradox of a system in which the guardians of order may, intentionally or otherwise, undermine the very legal framework they are meant to enforce.

The Nigerian Constitution also requires that any person arrested must be informed in writing of the grounds for their arrest within 24 hours and granted access to legal counsel.
These provisions are intended to prevent precisely the kind of uncertainty now surrounding Abdullahi’s disappearance. Without official confirmation of an arrest, neither his family nor the public can determine whether he is in lawful custody, being interrogated, or has fallen victim to criminal activity.

International human rights standards reinforce these principles. The United Nations’ Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights both emphasize the right to prompt judicial review and access to legal counsel. Such safeguards are designed to prevent enforced disappearances and one of the most serious human rights violations recognized under international law.

For communities like Limancin Kona Ward, the disappearance of a local political figure carries profound implications. At the grassroots level, political aspirants often serve as the link between citizens and the machinery of governance. When such individuals vanish without explanation, the chilling effect on civic participation can be immediate and severe.

Beyond the legal and political dimensions lies a human story, one of a family left in anguish, a community gripped by uncertainty, and a nation wrestling with questions of justice. The absence of official communication is itself a form of institutional failure. Transparency is not a courtesy; it is a constitutional obligation.

Public policy experts often stress that security agencies must balance the demands of national security with the imperatives of civil liberties. As former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once observed, “There is no trade-off between effective action against terrorism and the protection of human rights. On the contrary, human rights are the bedrock of any successful counter-terrorism strategy.” His words remain relevant wherever security operations risk crossing into illegality or opacity.

At present, the central question remains unanswered: where is Hon. Kamaluddeen Abdullahi? Without a clear statement from the police, the Department of State Services, or any other security agency, speculation will continue to fill the void. In an era of deepening mistrust between citizens and institutions, silence from authorities is rarely neutral, it is often interpreted as complicity, incompetence, or concealment.

The situation demands immediate clarification. If Abdullahi was lawfully arrested, the agency responsible must disclose the charges, grant him access to legal counsel, and bring him before a court within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. If he was abducted by criminals, then a swift and transparent investigation is equally essential.

Justice, as legal philosopher Lon Fuller famously argued, depends not only on the content of laws but on their faithful application. “A system that proclaims rules but fails to follow them,” Fuller wrote, “ceases to be a legal system at all.” His words capture the stakes of this unfolding episode.

Until credible information emerges, the disappearance of Hon. Kamaluddeen Abdullahi will remain more than a local incident. It will stand as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, the sanctity of human rights, and the basic promise that no citizen should vanish without a trace.

Ghana, UNILAG lock horns at Inter-University Africa debate debut at disruptED Summit

By Ifeoma Ikem

Students from the University of Ghana and the University of Lagos went head-to-head in a thrilling intellectual contest at the inaugural Inter-University Africa Debate, a flagship event of the disruptED Summit, held at the University of Lagos Auditorium on Thursday. The debate, which drew over 300 students and volunteers, aimed to amplify youth voices in shaping Africa’s economic and policy discourse.

After eight intense rounds of argument, rebuttal, and audience engagement, the University of Ghana emerged victorious, demonstrating depth of research, clarity of argument, and persuasive skill. Judges described the contest as one of the most intellectually rigorous student exchanges they had witnessed. Team Ghana took home a cash prize of N500,000, while Nigeria’s team received N300,000. The Best Debater of the event was also rewarded with N150,000 for outstanding performance.

Luke Wales, Director of Global Relations and Education at the University of Birmingham, representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell, said:
“The intellectual standard of this debate was extraordinary. After each round, the judging panel found ourselves reconsidering our positions. The students demonstrated not just preparation, but genuine persuasive skill and analytical depth. It was a powerful reminder of the talent and intellectual energy present in African universities.”

Moderated by Tosin Adebisi, founder of the Programme for African Leadership (PfAL) at the London School of Economics, the debate invited students to confront complex global frameworks such as the Washington and Beijing Consensus, fostering participatory learning rather than passive spectatorship.

Tosin Adebisi emphasized the transformative purpose of the exercise:
“This debate is about more than winning arguments. It’s about training a generation of young Africans to think critically about the systems they are entering and the futures they are building. When students research global economic frameworks in real time and challenge each other at this level, you see confidence forming. You see agency. That’s the foundation of leadership.”

The event also highlighted homegrown innovation. Students from UNILAG presented two major projects: Project Green Dream, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s annual tomato waste of 32 billion kilograms by converting them into flakes for year-round availability, and NAPTCHA, an environmental solution targeting pollution in coastal cities to protect aquatic life, generate jobs, and boost the economy.

“Today, we present to you two of our projects, Green Dream and NAPTCHA. Environmental pollution is a rapidly growing challenge globally, most especially in coastal areas. Our innovative solutions tackle waste accumulation while generating energy and nutrients for communities,” the UNILAG students said.

Judged by Oluwatobi Oseni, Muhammad Abduliahi, Chibuike Echechi, Alfred Ashopa, and Prof. Olufemi Olayemi, the competition underscored the growing importance of youth-led, policy-focused debates on the continent. Organizers intend for the debate to evolve into a national and continental series, fostering leadership, critical thinking, and visibility of youth perspectives in policy decision-making.

An attendee captured the sentiment of many:
“This is the first time I’ve seen students treated as participants in policy, not just observers.”

The disruptED Summit, which brought together educators, tech experts, and policymakers, continues to position students at the centre of discussions on Africa’s education, skills gaps, and future-of-work innovations, reinforcing the critical role of youth in shaping the continent’s policy and development trajectory.

Benue, Kwara Killings: Primate Ayodele Warned But They Never Listened

When Nigerians started celebrating after the United States launched an attack against terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, Primate Ayodele stood out when he said the nation shouldn’t celebrate yet because there would be reprisal attacks.

Many quickly lashed out at him, calling him all sorts of names like prophet of doom, fake prophet, bet9ja prophet, to mention but a few. However, the prophet stood his ground and continued to warn President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team that terrorists are planning to attack some Nigerian states.

His words after the US-led attack were:

“Nigerians shouldn’t celebrate yet, and President Tinubu shouldn’t celebrate either, because the powerlessness of his government is getting exposed, and America can come up with anything against him. This won’t stop kidnapping or insecurity in Nigeria.

“The government of Nigeria must work on it because the US cannot do it without the Nigerian government.

“Another bombing is coming up, and these bandits are ready for the consequences. They are also ready to counter-attack heavily; the government must get prepared for the outcome.”

Many didn’t know that Primate Ayodele isn’t a prophetwhot just speaks for attention’s sake, he speaks as directed by the most high God, and that’s why he is always fearless in his approaches. Even though the presidency celebrated it, he called their attention to some plans of terrorists across the country.

It’s been barely two months after the attack by the United States, and the country is back to more folds of insecurity across the country. Bandits have launched full-fledged attacks on the nation, killing several innocent souls without being checked or arrested.

If only security operatives listened to Primate Ayodele’s warning, he vividly mentioned some of the states that bandits orterroristst would be visiting. He shared them in a public forum at least twice, including in video recordings, but we wonder what these security operatives do with sensitive messages like this.

In one of the prophetic moments, he mentioned about eight states that will be attacked by terrorists if care isn’t taken.

“These states, Nasarawa, Abuja, Ondo, Kaduna, Sokoto, Benue, Katsina, Yobe, should be paid close attention to. They should deploy more soldiers to these states.”

Just yesterday in Benue, inn Benue State, 17 people, including a Mobile Police officer, were killed when gunmen attacked the Abande market in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area. Gunmen opened fire on traders and residents, killing many on the spot. Police spokesperson in Benue State, Udeme Edet, confirmed the attack.

In Katsina, In Katsina State, at least 20 residents were killed when bandits stormed Doma community in Tafoki Ward, Faskari Local Government Area.

Witnesses said the attackers moved unhindered, shooting villagers and setting houses and vehicles ablaze before fleeing. Faskari Local Government Chairman Surajo Aliyu confirmed the incident, describing it as a deadly reprisal and the worst in recent months.

In Kwara, too, Primate Ayodele had said earlier before now, just after the Eruku incident, that he still sees attacks in the state.

In fulfilment of this, bandits killed at least 10 villagers in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. The attackers, reportedly operating from the Borgu National Park forest in neighbouring Niger State, invaded the communities around 6.00 pm, firing sporadically and setting houses ablaze.

Sincerely, all of these could have been avoided if they had listened.