DSS Snubs Family Access to Detained NANS Chief, Health Woes Persist
Security Services Prohibit Relatives' Visit to Imprisoned NANS Contending President Due to Health Worries
The Department of State Services (DSS) refused entry to Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, the embattled factional leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), prompting worries about his deteriorating health.
Family members, including Isah's wife, newborn child, and sibling, were barred from the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Monday. Despite following directions to formally request visitation, they were rebuffed, as stated by a family source to SaharaReporters.
"We duly submitted the letter and waited patiently outside for hours," the insider revealed. "But we were denied entry to see him or even step foot on the premises."
Attempts by eminent human rights attorney, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, to mediate by arranging for an audience with the DSS Director of Operations were unsuccessful. "Atiku's wife reached out to one DSS agent to inform him she was present. She was instructed to wait for authorization", the source divulged. "We departed without catching a glimpse of him or gaining entry."
With hopes of weekend visit approval, the family remains anxious.
NANS' Leadership Muddle Amid Alleged Impersonation, Assault
The entry denial unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing power struggle within NANS, where a rival faction has leveled charges of impersonation against Isah. On May 20, 2025, a purported NANS representative, Yusuff Decimal, openly stated in a viral recording that Isah was physically assaulted by his peers[3].
"NANS will give you a beating. Ask Atiku, the National Association of Nigerian Students beat him. They beat him because he impersonated", Yusuff bluntly expressed in Pidgin, asserting that Olushola Oladoja is the legitimate NANS president.
In the same video, Yusuff dismissed speculation about Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu's son, having links with NANS affairs, stating: "Seyi Tinubu isn't among us. He isn't a comrade or a student. NANS is not a party - neither APC nor PDP."
Noticeable Threats to Activists: Sowore, VeryDarkMan in Crosshairs
Yusuff also issued covert threats to social media activist Martins Otse, alias VeryDarkMan, and Omoyele Sowore, former presidential contender. "And Sowore, we will fix you... Keep using your social media platform. Don't drag your issues to NANS", he cautioned.
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- The Department of State Services (DSS) denied family members access to Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah at their headquarters in Abuja, despite submitting a visitation request, causing continued concerns about his deteriorating health.
- The refusal to allow family members to visit Isah comes amidst the ongoing power struggle within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), with a rival faction accusing him of impersonation.
- A purported NANS representative, Yusuff Decimal, claimed in a viral recording that Isah was physically assaulted by his peers and that Olushola Oladoja is the legitimate NANS president.
- The Tinubu family was also mentioned in the same video, with Yusuff stating that Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu's son, is not involved with NANS affairs.
- Yusuff also issued covert threats to social media activist Martins Otse, alias VeryDarkMan, and Omoyele Sowore, former presidential contender.
- Similarly, justice sector workers, under the umbrella body of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), have maintained their indefinite strike despite meetings with the DSS and the Supreme Court.
- In other general news, over 164,000 cartridges were recently intercepted in a live ammo haul, adding to the broader concerns over crime and justice in Nigeria.
