Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has filed a ₦38.3 billion lawsuit against Seyi Tinubu, the Directorate of State Security (DSS), and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), accusing them of violating his fundamental human rights.
The suit, filed on May 14, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2025, was brought by his legal team from Ajunwa & Co. It seeks redress under the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
Allegations of Kidnapping, Torture, and Defamation
Isah claims he was abducted, unlawfully detained for over two weeks, physically assaulted, and defamed in what he describes as a politically motivated plot to silence his activism and remove him from NANS leadership.
According to court documents, he alleges that he was brutally attacked—stabbed and beaten—by members of a rival NANS faction allegedly supported by Seyi Tinubu. After the assault, DSS operatives reportedly detained him without explanation or charges, while he was still recovering from life-threatening injuries.
“The respondents’ kidnapping, abduction, and unlawful detention of the applicant amounts to a complete breach of his fundamental human rights,” the suit reads.
Isah is demanding ₦32.87 billion in general damages and an additional ₦5.5 billion in exemplary damages. He also seeks 20% compound interest on the total award and a permanent injunction restraining the respondents from further harassment, including kidnapping, physical assault, or detention. Furthermore, he is requesting a court order for his immediate and unconditional release.
Political Tensions Within NANS
The crisis is rooted in a leadership dispute within NANS, following a controversial inauguration event at The Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja. Isah was reportedly attacked during the gathering, allegedly by a rival faction aligned with government interests.
Family members claim the DSS held Isah incommunicado while he was still in critical condition at a DSS medical facility.
“Since he was taken, we haven’t heard from him. We don’t know his condition or whereabouts,” a relative told SaharaReporters, requesting anonymity for safety.
The family accused the DSS of protecting the attackers while unjustly detaining Isah.
“They took a man who was nearly killed and left his attackers untouched,” a family member said. “Why is the DSS acting like a gang of bandits?”
They added that Isah’s wife and daughter are traumatized by his disappearance.
“His daughter cries every day, asking where her father is,” the relative said.
Media Involvement and NTA’s Role
Isah also named the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in the suit, alleging the state broadcaster aired defamatory content to tarnish his image and justify his detention.
He claims the coverage contributed to psychological distress and further distorted public perception of his situation.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The case is expected to be heard soon, with legal observers noting it could raise critical issues around state power, press freedom, and the autonomy of student leadership in Nigeria.
If the court rules in Isah’s favor, the judgment could result in one of the largest payouts in a human rights enforcement case involving a student leader.
As of the time of this report, the DSS, NTA, and Seyi Tinubu have not publicly commented on the allegations.
