President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights. He is demanding a total of N38.3 billion in damages over alleged abduction, torture, and unlawful detention.
The suit, filed on May 14, 2025, and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2025, lists the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Mr. Seyi Tinubu—the son of President Bola Tinubu—as 1st to 3rd respondents, respectively.
Through his legal team—Ugwueze I. Oduegbu and R.O. Ifebhor of Ajunwa & Co.—Isah brought the application pursuant to the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009; Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended in 2011); and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, 2004.
Comrade Isah claims he was abducted, detained for over 15 days without trial, and subjected to inhuman treatment including beating and stabbing, which led to severe injuries and trauma. He alleges the actions were politically motivated and aimed at silencing his leadership within NANS.
He is seeking the following reliefs:
The grounds for the application, as stated in court documents, include:
The matter is expected to come up for hearing on a date to be announced by the court.
Comrade Isah’s legal action follows a protracted leadership crisis within NANS. He was reportedly assaulted during his inauguration at The Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja by a rival faction allegedly loyal to President Tinubu’s administration.
Following the incident, Isah was allegedly taken to the DSS clinic for treatment but later whisked away by DSS operatives under unclear circumstances. His family raised the alarm over his whereabouts, expressing fears for his safety.
Speaking with SaharaReporters, a family member said, “Since they took him, we have not seen or heard from him. We’re praying nothing bad has happened.” The family accused the DSS of acting like “bandits,” detaining the victim while allegedly shielding the perpetrators.
They further expressed concern over Isah’s deteriorating health, noting that his wife and young daughter have been emotionally distressed by his disappearance.
“This is a man who was brutally attacked, yet instead of receiving protection, he has become the target of persecution,” the family source lamented.