The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued an urgent call for the immediate release of its President, Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, who was allegedly abducted, assaulted, and is currently being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Orowole Eniola Owoyemi, NANS decried what it described as a violent and coordinated attack on its leadership and a threat to student democracy in Nigeria.
ATTACK AND ABDUCTION
According to the association, Comrade Isah was initially abducted on April 15, 2025, by a group of political thugs allegedly aligned with the Seyi Tinubu Students Association, led by Olusola Oladoja. During the abduction, Isah was stripped naked and forced to grant a coerced TV interview renouncing his presidency — a move he later repudiated.
The situation worsened on April 29, during the formal inauguration of the NANS executive at The Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, where events descended into violence.
“We had secured the venue, but the hotel management abruptly attempted to shut us out, citing orders from ‘above’. They said Seyi Tinubu had instructed a refund and power was cut off in the hall,” Owoyemi alleged.
VIOLENT DISRUPTION
While dignitaries were still present and the program ongoing, armed attackers wielding machetes, axes, and guns stormed the venue, assaulted attendees, and abducted Comrade Isah again after violently stripping and injuring him.
Since then, NANS claims he has been held incommunicado by the DSS, with his phones confiscated and no confirmed updates on his well-being.
“His wife confirmed he hasn’t been allowed to communicate. We don’t know if this is for his safety or something more sinister — but the uncertainty is unacceptable,” Owoyemi stated.
DEMAND FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
NANS has also demanded the immediate release of CCTV footage from the hotel between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day of the incident, warning that failure to comply could trigger legal action.
“We want The Wells Carlton Hotel to release the CCTV footage or be compelled to do so. We must identify and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act,” NANS warned.
CALL FOR JUSTICE
The association vowed to pursue every legal and peaceful channel to ensure Comrade Isah’s release and hold all responsible parties accountable.
“We have pressing national student issues to address. This intimidation must end. Comrade Isah is our legitimate president, and we will not be silenced,” Owoyemi declared.
