DSS Releases NANS President Atiku Abubakar Isah After Nearly Two Months in Detention

Atiku Abubakar Isah, the factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has been released from the custody of Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) after being detained for nearly two months. His release on Thursday follows a protracted period of legal and public pressure over what many described as an unlawful and politically motivated detention.

Isah was arrested on April 29, 2025, during a violent disruption of the NANS leadership inauguration in Abuja. He alleged that the attack was orchestrated by a rival faction backed by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, after he refused a purported ₦100 million bribe to step down from his position. Following the incident, Isah claimed he was abducted, stripped naked, and assaulted in the presence of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Managing Director before being handed over to the DSS.

Despite being granted bail by a Magistrate Court in Abuja on June 24, 2025, and fulfilling all bail conditions, the DSS initially refused to release Isah, citing pending documentation. Human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar, representing Isah, disclosed that the DSS charged his client with "inciting public disturbance and impersonating a public officer." The DSS alleged that Isah incited students to breach public peace and falsely represented himself as the NANS President.

Isah's prolonged detention without formal charges drew widespread condemnation from civil society groups, student unions, and human rights activists. The Take-It-Back Movement described his detention as a "blatant violation of his fundamental human rights" and accused the Tinubu-led government of using state security forces to suppress dissent among Nigerian youth and student activists. Family members also raised concerns about Isah's health and alleged that he was being held incommunicado and denied access to legal and family representation.

On May 14, 2025, Isah filed a ₦38.3 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the DSS, NTA, and Seyi Tinubu, accusing them of kidnapping, unlawful detention, physical assault, and defamation. He is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent further threats to his life.

Isah's release on June 26, 2025, came after sustained legal efforts and public outcry. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also visited the DSS office in Abuja to press for Isah's release, although he was denied entry. Following media reports and mounting pressure, the DSS contacted Isah's family and lawyer, asking them to come and take him home.

The case has sparked national debate over the role of security agencies in political disputes and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria. As Isah reunites with his family, attention now turns to the legal proceedings ahead and the broader implications for student activism and governance in the country.

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