Atiku Abubakar Isah, the embattled factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has accused a powerful political circle surrounding Seyi Tinubu—son of President Bola Tinubu—of attempting to silence him with a massive bribe, violent assault, and state-sponsored intimidation.
Isah alleged that he turned down a staggering N100 million offer that was allegedly presented to him by Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in a bid to sway the student body’s support toward the current administration. His rejection, according to him, led to his abduction, torture, and continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Alleged Assault and Coercion
Isah, in a chilling account, claimed he was lured to Lagos under false pretenses and later ambushed and brutalized by political thugs at an event he attended at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). According to him, his abductors stripped him naked, beat him savagely, and filmed the ordeal. He named Ladoja Olusola, a rival NANS faction leader allegedly supported by Seyi Tinubu, as one of his attackers, stating Olusola kicked him in the face during the assault.
After this ordeal, Isah said he was forced to release a false statement disowning his earlier claims. He alleged he was compelled to pose for a photo with a firearm in hand, which he believes is being kept as blackmail material by the DSS. Sources revealed to SaharaReporters that he remains in DSS custody at their medical facility in Abuja, where he is allegedly being pressured to withdraw his allegations.
Letter Written Under Pressure
A copy of a handwritten letter obtained by Frontpagenews shows Isah publicly retracting all accusations against Seyi Tinubu. In it, he apologized to the President, his son, and the Youth Minister, claiming that he had been misled by “political opportunists” and falsely believed he was acting on accurate information.
The letter discredits his original video statement, in which he accused Seyi Tinubu and Ayodele Olawande of offering him the N100 million bribe and orchestrating his beating. In the new letter, which sources insist was written under duress, Isah states that he never met Seyi Tinubu and now regrets being used as a pawn for political agendas.
Backstory of the Allegation
Isah’s initial accusation came shortly after a chaotic inauguration ceremony in Abuja, where he was named NANS president. He described the event as poorly organized and hijacked by hired thugs. Speaking to fellow student leaders, Isah claimed that Seyi Tinubu and the Youth Minister had tried to buy his loyalty with cash in exchange for aligning NANS leadership with pro-government sentiment.
“When I declined, they planned to break me,” he told his audience, describing how he was later kidnapped, assaulted, and coerced into renouncing his position. “They wanted me to announce my withdrawal from the race, but I only did it to survive. After gaining freedom, I issued a statement to expose the truth.”
Severe Injuries and Fears for His Life
Isah said he continues to suffer from the injuries inflicted during the attack. In a recent interview, he warned that he may lose his sight after being kicked in the face, noting that his eyes remain bloodshot and painful. He also disclosed that he underwent a brain scan due to head injuries sustained from bottles and machetes.
“They hit me hard on my head. I’ve done a scan and am waiting for results,” he said. “My life is still at risk. The people behind this believe they are above the law.”
Condemnation of Cultism in NANS
Isah used the opportunity to denounce the influence of cult groups and political thugs in student politics. He vowed to cleanse NANS of criminal elements allegedly propped up by politicians for personal gain.
“Seyi Tinubu represents everything wrong with youth leadership,” he said. “He’s not a role model. If he ever becomes governor of Lagos State, it would be a national tragedy.”
