After more than a month in custody without formal charges, the Department of State Services (DSS) has finally allowed the family of Atiku Abubakar Isah, the embattled President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), to visit him.
The decision follows increasing public pressure and media scrutiny surrounding his controversial detention.
Isah has been held incommunicado by the DSS amid a high-profile scandal involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His arrest and continued detention have sparked widespread concerns over due process, alleged human rights violations, and political intimidation.
Family Allowed Visitation After Initial Rejection
Speaking to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, a family source confirmed that Isah’s wife, accompanied by a relative, her infant child, and a driver, was granted access to see him at the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
“Barrister Deji Adeyanju reached out and informed us that we had finally been cleared to visit Isah,” the source disclosed.
“He advised Isah’s wife to call the DSS to confirm, and after she provided her details, they were permitted to enter the facility.”
Despite being denied access the previous day Monday despite following official procedures and submitting a formal visitation request, the family’s persistence eventually paid off. One relative who had accompanied them earlier had already returned home, assuming Tuesday's attempt would also be futile.
“Thankfully, we were let in. His wife was able to see him and speak with him,” the source added.
Following the visit, Isah’s wife confirmed that he was in stable health, though visibly fatigued from the prolonged ordeal. DSS operatives reportedly reassured her that his release would come soon.
Mounting Concerns Over Health and Detention Conditions
The visit came on the heels of intensifying concerns about Isah’s deteriorating health, with activists and legal advocates raising alarms about his welfare. His month-long detention without trial or formal charges has drawn criticism from human rights groups, students’ unions, and civil society organizations.
Background: A Controversial Bribery Allegation and Assault Claims
Isah’s ordeal began after he publicly accused Seyi Tinubu of offering him a ₦100 million bribe to step down as NANS President. Isah claimed he rejected the offer, after which he was allegedly abducted, stripped, and beaten in the presence of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), before being transferred to DSS custody.
He also alleged that a rival faction within NANS reportedly enjoying the backing of Seyi Tinubu attacked him, inflicting severe injuries.
₦38.3 Billion Lawsuit Filed Against DSS, NTA, and Seyi Tinubu
On May 14, 2025, Isah filed a ₦38.3 billion fundamental human rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit names the DSS, the NTA, and Seyi Tinubu as defendants, accusing them of abduction, illegal detention, torture, and character defamation.
He is also seeking a court injunction to prevent further threats to his life and to mandate his immediate release from DSS custody.
Calls for Transparency and Rule of Law
Legal experts and civil rights advocates are demanding a full investigation into Isah’s allegations and are urging the Nigerian government to uphold the rule of law, ensure accountability, and protect citizens' constitutional rights regardless of political affiliations.
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