The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned Atiku Abubakar Isah, the embattled President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), before a Magistrate Court in Abuja on charges of incitement and impersonation.
Isah, who arrived at the court dressed in black, was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with one surety required in like sum.
His lawyer, Marshal Abubakar of the Falana & Falana Chambers, said the DSS accused Isah of inciting students to disturb public peace during a student gathering, and of impersonating a public officer by continuing to act as NANS President despite a disputed mandate.
The charges relate to an incident where Isah was said to have disrupted a meeting of what the DSS described as the “elected” NANS leadership. Authorities allege he had no legal claim to the presidency following a convention that purportedly produced a new leadership.
The case has further exposed the deepening factional crisis within NANS, with Isah’s camp alleging that his arrest was politically motivated and orchestrated by a rival group loyal to Olusola Ladoja, who also claims to be the association’s president. Ladoja, sources say, wrote a formal petition to the DSS demanding Isah’s arrest.
Ladoja, in a statement dated April 30, 2025, accused Isah of violating the association's constitution and warned that such actions amounted to criminal impersonation.
But Isah’s family and associates have condemned the DSS for what they describe as degrading and unlawful treatment of the student leader while in custody. According to family members, Isah was denied food, essential medication, and kept in dehumanising conditions.
“He looked very weak, hungry, and neglected,” a relative said after visiting him. “He said he hadn’t eaten all day. He was pleading with the officers for food in our presence.”
Another family source recounted that DSS operatives only allowed Isah to interact with them during visits, and that any requests he made—often written down—were ignored as soon as the family left.
The ordeal has sparked widespread criticism, with rights groups calling for an investigation into the DSS’s handling of the case and demanding respect for the rights of student leaders.
With bail now granted, attention turns to the next hearing, where the court is expected to determine the legitimacy of the charges amid the ongoing power tussle within NANS.
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