Outcry Grows Over Detention of NANS Factional President Atiku Isah Amid Allegations of Torture and Political Interference

 

The family of Atiku Abubakar Isah, the embattled factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has raised grave concerns over his prolonged detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing the agency of holding him incommunicado and subjecting him to psychological and emotional torment.

Speaking exclusively to SaharaReporters, the family alleged that Atiku's continued confinement is politically motivated and influenced by Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Their voices, weary yet defiant, echoed the pain of not only being denied access to their son but also witnessing the alleged perpetrators of violence against him walk free with impunity.

According to distraught relatives, Atiku was abducted during a leadership event in Abuja—an occasion marred by chaos and violence. Armed with machetes, his assailants reportedly brutalized him, stripping him naked and leaving him severely injured. The family maintains that the attackers have since boasted openly on social media, claiming immunity from prosecution under the Tinubu administration.

“Our son was mutilated, degraded, and nearly killed. Yet instead of justice, he’s the one locked away like a criminal,” a family member lamented. “His photos, his wounds—they are not imaginary. They tried to kill him, and now they’re trying to silence him.”

Relatives described a harrowing ordeal that began over a week ago, after Atiku was forcibly taken during the inauguration of a new NANS leadership. Despite the presence of notable politicians such as Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and former Governor Idris Wada—who themselves were reportedly harassed—the authorities have focused solely on detaining Atiku.

Reports suggest that the DSS transferred him to their clinic on Airport Road in Abuja, where he received treatment for the injuries inflicted during the violent altercation. However, even after recovering physically, he has not been released, nor has he been formally charged.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Atiku is being pressured to sign statements under duress—allegedly narratives that do not reflect the truth of what transpired.

“He is being coerced to write things that are false,” one source disclosed. “They want to manipulate the narrative, and since he’s isolated from his legal team and family, it’s easier to apply that pressure.”

The family insists that despite repeated appeals, no contact has been made. Neither legal representatives nor relatives have been allowed to visit him, raising serious concerns about his mental and physical well-being.

"How can someone be brutalized, and instead of going after those responsible, the victim is being punished? The DSS is turning from a national security agency into a political tool,” said another relative.

The incident stems from a leadership tussle between two rival factions of NANS, one led by Atiku Isah and the other by Olusola Ladoja. The latter is said to have strong backing from Seyi Tinubu, allegedly using his political connections to orchestrate the assault on Atiku and ensure his continued detention.

Eyewitnesses at the chaotic Abuja event recounted scenes of violence where Atiku was physically attacked, despite the presence of high-profile dignitaries. Yet since the incident, there has been no indication that any action will be taken against the attackers—some of whom reportedly brag online about their political immunity.

“What kind of country does this to its youth leaders?” another family member asked. “This is a student leader who was beaten nearly to death. Rather than support his recovery, the state is aiding in his oppression.”

Amid the silence from the DSS, public support is slowly mounting. The family has expressed gratitude to prominent Nigerians like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, all of whom have publicly called for justice.

But their plea remains urgent. “We are begging, as parents and as citizens. Let him go. Let him come home,” the family implored. “Would President Tinubu allow this to happen to his own son? Why then is our son being treated as though he is an enemy of the state?”

The family emphasized that the issue transcends politics. It is, they say, about justice, accountability, and the sanctity of human dignity.

Those close to Atiku insist that the battle is not only legal but moral. “The DSS must remember its oath is to the Nigerian state, not individual interests,” said one source. “Every extra day Atiku spends in detention without trial is a day democracy is eroded.”

The silence of the authorities, and the refusal to apprehend or even question those who have publicly taken credit for the violent attack, continues to fuel allegations of state complicity and selective justice.

With every passing day, the frustration deepens—not only for Atiku’s family but for many Nigerians watching from the sidelines. As cries for justice grow louder, the question reverberates: will the Nigerian government and its security institutions honor the rule of law, or will political influence continue to eclipse the pursuit of truth?