The Concerned Nigerians Group has urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, to launch an immediate investigation into the reported abduction and assault of the factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah.
According to the group, Isah was allegedly targeted after rejecting a ₦100 million bribe purportedly offered to secure his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Brutal Attack Allegedly Linked to Political Rejection
In a strongly worded statement signed by the group’s convener, Raphael Adebayo, the attack on Mr. Isah was directly linked to his outspoken opposition to what the group described as a “criminal and illegitimate regime.” They claim the assault was a consequence of Isah’s refusal to compromise his principles or align with the political establishment.
“No Nigerian citizen should be brutalised by state agents or their proxies for expressing dissent,” the statement read.
The group condemned what it described as the ongoing politicization and corruption of student leadership by powerful interests, calling Mr. Isah a symbol of resistance and a voice for marginalized youth.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
Concerned Nigerians demanded that the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force immediately identify and prosecute all individuals—whether state actors or private operatives—allegedly involved in the attack on Isah.
They further called on DSS boss Ajayi and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to hold a joint press conference to reassure the public of Isah’s safety and to affirm the credibility of the investigation.
“We will hold the DSS, the Police, and the political machinery of Mr. Tinubu accountable should any harm come to Mr. Isah or his allies,” the group stated.
Condemns Offer of N100m Bribe Amid Widespread Poverty
The statement also condemned the alleged attempt to buy Isah’s political allegiance with a ₦100 million bribe, calling it “morally repugnant” in a country where the majority live in extreme poverty.
“In a nation where over 99% of banked Nigerians have less than ₦500,000 in their accounts, such an offer reflects the depth of political decay and misplaced priorities,” the group added.
Reaffirmation of Support for Student Resistance
Concerned Nigerians praised Mr. Isah and other like-minded student leaders for standing firm against the commercialisation of NANS and what they described as the cult-like authoritarianism of the ruling political elite.
“We stand in solidarity with Mr. Isah and all Nigerian students committed to restoring integrity, resistance, and moral consciousness to student activism.”
They vowed to continue mobilizing against what they see as the “totalitarian tendencies” of the Tinubu administration and promised that “the struggle will continue until victory is achieved for the Nigerian people.”
Saharareporters
