Atiku Abubakar Isah, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of being behind his recent abduction and assault in Abuja.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Isah said that gun-carrying thugs attacked him, beat him, stripped him naked, and humiliated him. He claimed the attack was led by supporters of Seyi Tinubu and a rival NANS leader, Ladoja Olusola.
Isah revealed that he was also forced to record a statement against his will at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) studio. According to him, the attack happened because Seyi Tinubu considered him an “enemy” after he won the NANS presidential election at the association’s 125th convention.
He added that he had earlier reported threats to his life to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetoken, and other security agencies, but no action was taken.
Despite the attack, Isah said he would not give up. He promised to keep leading the student body fearlessly and remain committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian students.
The statement read, “I was abducted in Abuja by gun wielding thugs on the instructions of Seyi Tinubu and Ladoja Olusola. I was beaten, subjected to the most cruel and dehumanising treatments, my clothes torn to shreds and stripped naked.
“I was thereafter hurriedly packaged, and in connivance with the Managing Director of NTA, brought to the station where I was forced to release an involuntary statement.
“Since my overwhelming election as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), at the 125th convention of the association, Seyi Tinubu has in cohorts with Ladoja, and for whatever reasons best known to him, declared me an enemy, and my life has constantly been under threats.
“I have written several petitions to the Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies on this matter.
“I wish to convey my gratitude to the thousands of Nigerian students all over the federation who stood in our defence and called for our immediate and unconditional release. I also wish to appreciate the media and peace loving Nigerians who added their voices in condemning my illegal abduction.
“I will continue to exercise this franchise freely given to me to lead this association in this moment in our history, and no amount of intimidation or threats will make us capitulate to the whims and caprices of the enemies.
“We remain even more resolute and committed to serving the best interests of the overwhelming majority of Nigerian students without fear nor favour.”
