DSS Arraigns NANS President Atiku Abubakar Isah in Abuja Without Notifying His Lawyers

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned the embattled President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, at the Magistrate Court in Zone 6, Abuja, without informing his legal representatives.

According to sources, Isah—who was previously attacked and stripped by a rival faction of NANS allegedly backed by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu—was taken into custody under controversial circumstances and brought before the court without legal counsel present.

A DSS insider confirmed the development to Nigeria News 247, saying, “They just took him to Magistrate Court Zone 6. Isah is presently sitting in court, but they did not inform his lawyer.”

As of the time of filing this report, the specific charges against Isah remain unclear, and attempts to contact his legal team have been unsuccessful.

This development follows earlier reports by Nigeria News 247 that Isah has been subjected to inhumane treatment while in DSS custody, including denial of food and essential medication.

Sources claim his arrest was orchestrated by Olusola Ladoja, who claims leadership of NANS and is reportedly backed by the Tinubu-supported faction. Ladoja allegedly wrote a formal letter to the DSS requesting Isah’s arrest, accusing him of impersonation for continuing to act as NANS President despite not participating in the recent convention that elected new leadership.

In an April 30 statement, Ladoja accused Isah of violating the association’s constitution and insisted his actions should attract legal consequences.

Meanwhile, family members of Isah have expressed deep concern over his condition in detention. They allege that DSS operatives are treating him like a criminal, even though no formal charges had been brought at the time.

One family source said, “They’re not feeding him properly. He looks hungry, physically weak, and unkempt. We’re worried he’s becoming sick due to the poor conditions.”

Another added that Isah only gets the chance to speak with DSS officials during family visits. “He begs for food during those visits. They ask him to write down what he needs, but once we leave, they ignore him and return him to his cell without providing anything,” the source said.

The family also noted that DSS officials continue to assure them that Isah would be released soon, yet he remains in custody without basic care.

“He hasn’t eaten all day, and he’s saying he thinks he’s falling ill. This is no way to treat someone who hasn’t even been convicted of a crime,” the source added.

The situation has raised serious concerns over due process, detainee rights, and the alleged political influence surrounding the internal leadership conflict within NANS.