BREAKING: DSS Finally Releases Factional NANS President Atiku Isah After Nearly Two Months Over Assault Allegations Against Seyi Tinubu-Backed Faction

Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), has finally released Atiku Abubakar Isah, the factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), after nearly two months in detention.

Isah was freed on Thursday and handed over to his family and lawyer.

Earlier that day, SaharaReporters had reported that the DSS was still holding Isah despite his legal team fulfilling all bail conditions. The secret police had demanded additional paperwork on Wednesday.

Although Isah’s lawyers promptly provided the requested documents, the DSS initially refused to release him.

However, following SaharaReporters’ report on Thursday morning, the DSS contacted Isah’s family and lawyer, asking them to come and take him home.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also visited the DSS office in Abuja on Thursday to press for Isah’s release, but operatives denied him entry.

On Tuesday, the DSS arraigned Isah before a Magistrate Court in Abuja.

Isah, who appeared in court wearing black clothing, had reportedly been brutalised by a rival NANS faction allegedly backed by President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.

He was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, human rights lawyer, Marshal Abubakar of the Falana & Falana Chambers, who is representing Isah, disclosed that the DSS charged his client with "inciting public disturbance and impersonating a public officer."

According to him, Isah was accused of inciting students to breach public peace at a lawful student assembly and disrupting a meeting of individuals described as the “elected” NANS leadership.

The DSS also alleged that Isah falsely represented himself as the President of NANS.

Isah has been at the centre of a major controversy involving Seyi Tinubu and the DSS.

Isah had alleged that he was offered ₦100 million by Seyi Tinubu to step down from his position. After refusing the alleged bribe, he said he was abducted, stripped naked, and brutally beaten in the presence of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

He alleged that a rival NANS faction led by Olusola Ladoja and backed by Seyi Tinubu physically assaulted him, leading to severe injuries.

On May 14, 2025, Isah filed a ₦38.3 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing the DSS, NTA, and Seyi Tinubu of violating his fundamental human rights. The lawsuit seeks damages for kidnapping, unlawful detention, physical assault, and defamation.

He is demanding an injunction to prevent further threats to his life and an order for his immediate release.