ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is demanding the release of its President, Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, who was reportedly abducted during a violent incident at the association’s recent inauguration ceremony. The Department of State Services (DSS) is facing criticism for his detention, which has raised alarms among student leaders.
In a statement issued by NANS Public Relations Officer Comrade Orowole Eniola Owoyemi, the organization expressed significant concern over Isah’s continued absence, emphasizing that crucial activities are stalled in his absence. “We implore the DSS to release our president so that we can resume our important organizational work,” the statement conveyed.
Isah was allegedly taken by a group linked to the Seyi Tinubu Students Association on April 15, 2025, during an earlier incident where he was reportedly coerced into denouncing his leadership role in a televised interview, a claim he refuted after his release.
The tumultuous inauguration ceremony at The Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja took a dark turn when hotel management attempted to cancel the event under circumstances allegedly influenced by higher authorities. “We had secured the venue, but management informed us of an obstruction, insisting on a refund as directed by the son of the President, Seyi Tinubu,” Owoyemi said. Despite the disruption, the ceremony proceeded as dignitaries had already arrived.
Chaos erupted shortly after the event commenced, as armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue with various weapons, leading to widespread panic. “They attacked attendees indiscriminately, injuring Isah and abducting him again. We have had no contact since,” Owoyemi explained.
Adding to the distress, Isah’s family has disclosed that the DSS has confiscated his mobile devices, effectively isolating him from outside communication. “We are left in the dark regarding his welfare. This uncertainty is intolerable,” Owoyemi commented.
NANS is also urging The Wells Carlton Hotel to release surveillance footage from the day of the attack, highlighting the importance of transparency in identifying the attackers. “We demand access to the CCTV recordings from that day between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to help us pinpoint those responsible for this atrocious act. If they refuse, we will be left with no choice but to escalate our demands,” the statement added.
The association has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to secure Isah’s release and hold those responsible for the violence accountable. As the situation unfolds, NANS remains committed to advocating for its leadership and safeguarding the rights of students across the nation.