The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, before a Magistrate Court in Zone 6, Abuja. He faces charges of inciting public disturbance and impersonating a public officer.
The DSS alleged that Isah incited unrest at a student gathering and misrepresented himself as NANS president amid a growing leadership crisis within the association. Dressed in all black, Isah appeared calm during the proceedings.
His legal counsel, Marshal Abubakar of Falana & Falana Chambers, stated that the charges were filed after Isah allegedly disrupted a meeting by a rival faction claiming NANS leadership.
“The DSS is accusing Atiku Isah of inciting students to disrupt a peaceful meeting of those it considers the legitimate leaders of NANS,” Abubakar said.
In his response, Isah firmly denied all charges, maintaining that he is the duly elected NANS president. He described the arraignment as a politically motivated witch-hunt, alleging attempts by powerful figures to undermine his leadership and suppress student activism.
Isah also claimed that the DSS is being used to forcefully install a factional rival and stifle dissent in the association. His legal team hinted at political interference but did not name any individual in court.
The court granted bail with minimal conditions — only requiring that a surety reside within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The incident has sparked public interest, with many expressing concern over the growing involvement of security agencies in student politics.
Egalitarian Voice will continue to monitor and report updates as the case unfolds.
