Atiku Abubakar Isah, the factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), is still being held by the Department of State Services (DSS), nearly two weeks after his controversial arrest on April 29, 2025.
His detention follows explosive allegations that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, offered him a ₦100 million bribe to step down from his NANS presidential ambitions in favour of a government-backed rival.
According to sources, Atiku also claimed he was assaulted by thugs loyal to the government, naming Ladoja Olusola, the preferred candidate of Seyi Tinubu’s faction, as one of those who physically attacked him during his inauguration event.
Reporters previously confirmed that the inauguration, held in Abuja, was disrupted by violence allegedly instigated by government-sponsored attackers. Shortly after, Atiku was arrested and taken to a DSS hospital on Airport Road, where he was detained and allegedly coerced into signing a retraction letter and posing for a staged photo with a gun — reportedly for blackmail purposes.
“He was forced to recant and write a letter denying all accusations,” a source close to the case said. “Even after completing his treatment, he remains in DSS custody with no access to his lawyers or family.”
A copy of the retraction letter, allegedly signed under duress, was obtained by Reporters.
Atiku’s family has since raised alarm over his continued incommunicado detention. “Our son has been beaten, tortured, and stripped of his rights. We’ve not seen him, and his lawyers are blocked from helping him,” a distraught family member said.
They further accused the DSS of acting under political pressure and shielding the perpetrators of the attack on Atiku. “His assailants are boasting on social media. They know nothing will happen to them because the President’s son is behind them,” the family added.
The incident has sparked public outcry, with prominent Nigerians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi calling for justice and Atiku Isah’s immediate release.
“This is no longer just a student union issue. It has become a human rights violation,” said a source familiar with the case. “This abuse of power must stop.”
Atiku’s family continues to plead for his freedom. “He is innocent. He spoke up. Now he is paying the price. President Tinubu, please release our son.”
As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, concerns are rising about the shrinking space for dissent and the use of state security to silence opposing voices.
