The family of the embattled President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, has cried out in distress, revealing they have no knowledge of his whereabouts after he was allegedly whisked away by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The shocking development comes amid growing concerns over Isah’s safety, health, and the government’s alleged attempt to silence a vocal critic of corruption in the student leadership space.
In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Friday, a deeply troubled family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, accused the DSS of abducting Isah from its medical facility where he was undergoing treatment for life-threatening injuries. The wounds, reportedly inflicted by machete-wielding attackers linked to a rival NANS faction loyal to Seyi Tinubu—the son of Nigeria’s President—have fueled suspicions of politically motivated suppression.
“Since they took him, we have heard nothing. No word, no visit. His phone is off, and his location is unknown. We are terrified that something terrible may have happened,” the relative said.
The family did not mince words in their condemnation of the DSS’s tactics, describing them as “bandit-like,” and lamented the agency’s refusal to apprehend Isah’s assailants.
“This is not law enforcement; this is abduction. The DSS is shielding the perpetrators of a brutal attack and punishing the victim. How do you explain arresting a man who was nearly hacked to death and leaving his attackers to walk free?” the family member fumed.
As anxiety mounts, the family revealed that Isah’s health is deteriorating rapidly, with urgent medical attention needed. His wife and young daughter are said to be inconsolable—devastated by his disappearance and the trauma of uncertainty.
“His wife is broken. She hasn’t eaten or slept well since. Their little girl cries every night, asking when her daddy will return. It is heartbreaking. What crime did he commit—speaking the truth?” the source added in anguish.
Isah’s ordeal is tied to a fierce leadership crisis within NANS. On May 12, SaharaReporters revealed that the DSS planned to charge him with illegal possession of firearms—an accusation many see as a smokescreen. Sources allege the firearm in question was planted during the violent disruption of his inauguration at The Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja by thugs associated with the Ladoja Olusola-led faction, reportedly backed by the presidency.
“They took pictures of him with a pistol during the attack—something clearly orchestrated. They want to fabricate charges against him and make it look legitimate,” an insider familiar with the matter said.
Further complicating matters, it has emerged that Isah went on a hunger strike while in DSS custody, protesting not only his prolonged illegal detention but also the physical abuse he reportedly endured.
“He told DSS operatives he won’t eat or take any medication. He just wants to go home,” a DSS insider confirmed.
Isah’s silence—likely enforced—follows explosive claims he made regarding a N100 million bribe allegedly offered by Seyi Tinubu, alongside accusations of N71 billion embezzlement linked to the federal government’s student loan scheme.
His family has now made an impassioned plea to human rights organisations, the international community, and concerned Nigerians to intervene before it is too late.
“We are Nigerians. We have rights. We want to know where our loved one is. We want justice. We want answers,” the family stated.
The unfolding saga surrounding Atiku Isah raises alarming questions about state repression, political impunity, and the shrinking space for dissent in Nigeria’s democracy. As the days pass without answers, one chilling question remains: Where is Atiku Isah?
PIONEER NEWS 