From Staff Writer
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Atiku Abubakar Isah, has alleged that he was abducted, assaulted, and stripped naked after rejecting a N100 million bribe reportedly offered by Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday following his inauguration in Abuja, Atiku recounted a harrowing series of events which he claims were triggered by his refusal to accept a cash offer meant to influence the direction of student leadership under his watch.
According to Atiku, the bribe was offered during a meeting in Lagos, where he met Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande. He said the intent was for him to support President Tinubu’s administration unconditionally.
“The Minister welcomed me warmly. During our discussion, I was told I would be given N100 million. But I told them plainly – it’s not about money. You cannot buy my voice,” Atiku said.
The student leader claimed that his principled stand resulted in retaliation. He alleged that on 15 April, he was abducted and brutally assaulted in a bid to force him to resign from his position.
“I was taken, stripped naked, and beaten mercilessly. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was involved. They forced me to make a false statement renouncing my presidency. I only complied to escape with my life,” he revealed.
Atiku further claimed that a video of the ordeal was recorded and now circulates among senior government officials, including Seyi Tinubu and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Affairs.
“They threatened to release the video and even said nothing would happen if I were killed, boasting that Seyi Tinubu would ensure a cover-up. I was told the Inspector General of Police could be instructed to bury the matter.”
Despite these threats, Atiku went ahead with his inauguration and vowed not to be silenced.
“I made it clear — even if I was shot, I would be present. We have a duty to speak truth to power and to cleanse NANS of cultists and political thugs who serve the interests of corrupt politicians,” he said.
Atiku described the inauguration ceremony as chaotic, accusing political interests of deliberately undermining the event’s organisation. He also issued a stern warning regarding Seyi Tinubu’s political ambitions.
“Seyi Tinubu is a terrible example for Nigerian youth. The idea that he could one day become governor of Lagos is terrifying. He lacks the integrity, the humility, and the character for leadership,” Atiku said.
He closed his remarks with a defiant message to those he accused: “They think I am just another student leader they can buy or bully. But I am not. They should either do the right thing or kill me.”
There has been no official response from Seyi Tinubu, the Presidency, or the Minister of Youth Development as at the time of this report.
