DSS Accused of Starving Detained NANS President Atiku Isah Amid Power Tussle Allegedly Backed by Seyi Tinubu
The Department of State Services (DSS) has come under intense scrutiny over its alleged maltreatment of Atiku Abubakar Isah, the embattled President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who has been in detention for over a month without formal charges.
According to credible sources, the arrest and continued detention of Isah were reportedly instigated by Olusola Ladoja, a rival claimant to the NANS presidency. Ladoja is allegedly backed by a faction with ties to Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
Ladoja reportedly wrote to the DSS requesting Isah’s arrest, accusing him of impersonating the NANS President.
In a statement issued on April 30, 2025, Ladoja claimed Isah had no legitimate claim to the presidency since he did not participate in the most recent NANS convention. He labelled Isah’s continued public engagement under the NANS banner as unconstitutional and said such impersonation warranted legal consequences.
However, the situation has taken a disturbing turn, with Isah’s family raising serious concerns about his welfare while in DSS custody. Multiple relatives, in interviews alleged that Isah has been subjected to degrading treatment, including being denied food, essential medication, and adequate medical care.
“He is being treated like a common criminal,” said a family member. “He’s not been charged, yet he’s locked up, looking unkempt, hungry, and clearly unwell. When we visited, he said he hadn’t eaten anything since morning. He’s growing weak and fears he might be falling ill.”
Another relative claimed that during family visits, Isah is allowed to communicate with DSS officials, but only briefly. He has reportedly begged officers in front of his family for food, and while he’s often told to write down his requests, the promised provisions are never delivered after the family leaves.
“They tell us not to worry, that he’ll be released soon,” a relative added, “but they keep him there, starving and sick. It’s inhumane.”
This case drew national attention earlier in June when reports exposed the DSS’s refusal to grant family access to Isah. Following public backlash, the DSS permitted a visit, but conditions remained dire.
Beyond the legal and humanitarian issues, the situation is steeped in political intrigue. Isah had previously accused Seyi Tinubu of offering him ₦100 million to step down from his NANS position.
After rejecting the alleged bribe, Isah claimed he was abducted, stripped naked, and severely beaten an incident he says occurred in the presence of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He also accused the rival NANS faction of orchestrating physical attacks on him.
Despite these serious allegations and over a month in detention, no formal charges have been brought against Isah.
The growing controversy has raised questions about political interference, abuse of power by security agencies, and the condition of human rights protections in Nigeria. Advocacy groups are now calling for Isah’s immediate release and an independent investigation into the DSS’s conduct.
