The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, was taken to court by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday, June 25, in Abuja.
He appeared before a Magistrate Court in Zone 6 and was charged with inciting public disturbance and impersonating a public officer. The DSS claims that Isah led students to disrupt a public event and falsely claimed to be the rightful NANS president, despite a leadership dispute in the association.
After hearing from both sides, the court granted him bail of ₦5 million. He must also provide a surety who lives in Abuja.
The case has sparked public interest, especially after reports emerged that Isah was not treated well while in custody. His family said he was denied food and medical care, and he looked weak when they visited him.
The DSS acted based on a petition from another NANS member, Olusola Ladoja, who also claims to be the president. The ongoing power struggle within NANS has caused serious tension among student leaders.
Many people, including student activists, are now calling for fair treatment of student leaders and warning against political interference in student affairs.
Atiku Isah is expected to return to court soon as the case continues.
