Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has sued the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting more than ₦38 billion in damages and the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.
The complaint, which was filed on May 14, 2025, and was designated complaint No: FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2025, names Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, the Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) as the first and third respondents, respectively.
Isah is requesting a number of rulings and directives from the court via his attorneys Ugwueze I. Oduegbu and R.O. Ifebhor of Ajunwa & Co., including:
a declaration that his rights to freedom of movement under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights have been flagrantly violated by his alleged kidnapping, wrongful detention for more than 15 days, and ongoing confinement without charge.
a declaration that, in accordance with Section 34 of the Constitution and Articles 5 and 16 of the African Charter, the claimed torture, severe beating, stabbing, and psychological trauma he endured amounted to inhuman and humiliating treatment.
a directive to release him from DSS custody immediately and without conditions.
an order prohibiting the respondents from abducting him, torturing him, holding him in custody, or threatening his life in the future.
Monetary compensation including:
₦32.87 billion in general damages
₦5.5 billion in exemplary damages
20% compounded interest on the judgment sum until full payment or deposit into an interest-yielding court account.
Background of the Case
Isah’s suit stems from a violent leadership tussle within NANS. During his inauguration at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, he was allegedly attacked by a rival faction of the student body said to have the backing of political elites, including Seyi Tinubu.
Following the attack, Isah was receiving medical treatment at a DSS clinic when he was reportedly taken away by operatives of the secret police. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Family Alleges Cover-Up and Health Concerns
In an interview with SaharaReporters, a member of Isah’s family raised alarm over his disappearance and deteriorating health, describing the DSS’s actions as “bandit-like.”
“Why are the DSS operating like bandits? They whisked away a man who was nearly killed, while those responsible for the attack are walking free. Since they took him, we’ve had no word,” the relative lamented.
The family also stated that Isah’s wife and daughter are demanding answers because they are traumatized by his abrupt absence.
On a day that the court will announce, the matter is anticipated to be heard.
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