The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights and demanding over ₦38 billion in damages.
Filed on May 14, 2025, and marked Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2025, the suit lists the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Mr. Seyi Tinubu—son of President Bola Tinubu—as the 1st to 3rd respondents, respectively.
Isah, through his legal counsel Ugwueze I. Oduegbu and R.O. Ifebhor of Ajunwa & Co., is seeking a series of declarations and orders from the court, including:
A declaration that his alleged abduction, unlawful detention for over 15 days, and continued incarceration without charge constitute a gross violation of his rights to freedom of movement under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
A declaration that the alleged torture, brutal beating, stabbing, and psychological trauma inflicted on him amount to inhuman and degrading treatment under Section 34 of the Constitution and Articles 5 and 16 of the African Charter.
An order for his immediate and unconditional release from DSS custody.
An injunction restraining the respondents from further acts of kidnapping, torture, detention, and threats to his life.
Monetary compensation including:
₦32.87 billion in general damages
₦5.5 billion in exemplary damages
20% compounded interest on the judgment sum until full payment or deposit into an interest-yielding court account.
Background of the Case
Isah’s suit stems from a violent leadership tussle within NANS. During his inauguration at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, he was allegedly attacked by a rival faction of the student body said to have the backing of political elites, including Seyi Tinubu.
Following the attack, Isah was receiving medical treatment at a DSS clinic when he was reportedly taken away by operatives of the secret police. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Family Alleges Cover-Up and Health Concerns
In an interview with SaharaReporters, a member of Isah’s family raised alarm over his disappearance and deteriorating health, describing the DSS’s actions as “bandit-like.”
Why are the DSS operating like bandits? They whisked away a man who was nearly killed, while those responsible for the attack are walking free. Since they took him, we’ve had no word,” the relative lamented.
The family added that Isah’s wife and daughter are traumatized by his sudden disappearance and are demanding answers.
The matter is expected to come up for hearing on a date to be communicated by the court.
Obasempire reports that a surge of public anger has erupted following the Federal High Court in Abuja’s ruling to detain protesters from the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, accusing them of sedition and terrorism.
The court, led by Justice Emeka Nwite, decreed that the protesters be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre until a bail hearing on September 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through these accusations, has framed the protest as an effort to destabilize the nation, a move widely criticized as an assault on democratic rights.
The decision has triggered significant outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning it as indicative of a “full-blown dictatorship.”
Critics have charged the administration with attempting to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices.
Some have even alleged that the government is enslaving its own citizens, with the charges viewed as a direct attack on the right to protest in a democratic society.
One Twitter user, @PureStanley1, voiced his concerns, stating, “According to APC and the police, Activists and Journalists are a threat to Nigeria and should be eradicated from the face of the earth, but terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers are not a threat to Nigeria? Nigeria has been captured. The same people that championed and spearheaded series of protests under and against GEJ’s government are now against protests? And you call this democracy? Nigeria is practicing DemoCRAZY and not Democracy, know the difference!!!”
Another user, @AndinoAsuquo, questioned the charges, writing, “Treason for protesting?? Can someone please explain to him that this is democracy government.”
The severity of the charges has also raised alarms among other social media commentators. @Isthisjohnson remarked, “This is really alarming! Treason charges for protesting is a serious escalation. It feels like we’re stepping into dangerous territory where speaking out could have dire consequences. We need to keep raising awareness about this.”
@OurFavOnlineDoc added, “To charge protesters to court for ‘treason’ in a country where the punishment for treason is the death penalty is an attempt by the government to use the powers of the state to execute its own citizens. Why is the Nigerian judiciary entertaining this madness? Why is nobody speaking up about this? Or wait, are we in a dictatorship now?”
The perceived double standard in the government’s handling of different groups was highlighted by @Shehusky, who tweeted, “So, peaceful protesters are the enemies of Nigeria that should be sentenced to death for treason. Not Boko Haram, not bandits, not killer herders, not treasury looters, not kidnappers, not election riggers, not corrupt judges, and not religious extremists. Nigeria is captured.”
@FS_Yusuf_ echoed this sentiment, criticising the government’s actions: “You are rehabilitating Boko Haram terrorists. You are watching politicians loot and walk away freely. Every day terrorists on TikTok send us videos of their successful operations. But you arrested peace protesters and charged them for treason??? The Nigerian government is a criminal organisation.”
According to @mrfestusogun, “Arresting peaceful protesters for the heinous crime of treason is full-blown dictatorship.”
This sentiment was echoed by @bassiology, who said, “The regime is doing everything possible to scare people from protesting and holding them accountable.”
@OkpanachiUdale expressed frustration, stating, “I’ve always maintained my thoughts about this government. There is nothing democratic about it; in fact, it’s worse than any military regime in Nigeria. At least Nigerians didn’t live in fear of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists during military regimes.”
As the protesters await their next court appearance, the controversy surrounding the charges is expected to grow, with many questioning the state of democracy in Nigeria under the current administration.
The debate over the legitimacy of the charges will likely intensify as the September 11 hearing approaches.
Obasempire reports that Solomon Dalung, a former minister under ex-president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, has advocated for comprehensive reforms to enhance the well-being of men in Nigeria.
Speaking at a recent event, the former minister and justice reform advocate stated that the absence of adequate support systems for men has resulted in premature deaths among many.
Dalung also called on both federal and state governments to create ministries dedicated to men’s affairs, akin to those for women’s affairs.
Barrister Solomon Dalung on Facebook wrote: ”Justice demands we’ve ministry of men affairs”I have a neighbor here in Abuja who is an orphan, now in his late 70s. He used all his money to train his children and support his family.
They are well established, and his wife is now traveling, going on omugwo from Amsterdam to China to America, visiting their children. Meanwhile, the man is left here in Abuja; he doesnt have money anymore because everything he worked for in his life, he invested in the family.
Each time his wife returns, she comes back with a Bible and wine as gifts for him. That is the average situation of a Nigerian man, yet allegations of failure are constantly lumped on us as being responsible. When you mentioned the idea of a Ministry of Men Affairs, I was pleased, as I have been an advocate for it.
We need a Ministry of Men Affairs because theres no ministry exclusively for men. Just because a man is the President of Nigeria doesnt mean he is the representative of the male gender; he is just a male, just like you have women in positions.
I think justice demands that we should give more attention to our men.Men do not live as long. If you go to the church, youll see a committee of widows, but you wont find a committee of widowers. Most men are gone between 50 to 60 years, and nobody is concerned about them.
Obasempire reports that the Head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has urged President Tinubu to alter the Nigerian flag, passport, and constitution to enhance prosperity and unity in the nation.
In a statement issued by his media assistant, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele highlighted that these elements hold spiritual significance for the country and that modifications are necessary for national advancement.
He elaborated that updating the flag, passport, and constitution would elevate the nation and have a substantial positive impact on Nigeria.
‘’President Tinubu should change the Nigerian flag, constitution and passport to promote unity and prosperity in the country. These national materials are dragging us down but many may not understand it.’’
‘’They have spiritual implications on the country and if indeed we want a greater country, we must first change the constitution, flag and passport. If the president does all of these, it would have a positive effect on Nigeria.’’
Furthermore, Primate Ayodele addressed people that may not understand his message, urging them to seek spiritual clarifications rather than interpreting in the language of mere men.
‘’Many will not understand this message and interpret in their languages. These spiritual matters require a spiritual interpretation and understanding. I urge anyone who may need clarification to seek spiritual interpretation.
The Nigerian flag, constitution and passport are the country’s identity; the president should make moves to change them to set the country on a great path. Nigeria should have gone beyond these but our identity is dragging us down’’
Obasempire reports that Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP – Kano South) has addressed the debate over the true salary and allowances of federal lawmakers.
Sumaila disclosed that he receives N21 million in allowances each month, in addition to a monthly salary of approximately N1 million.
Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central during the 8th Assembly, previously revealed that each Senator receives a monthly running cost of N13.5 million, besides the N750,000 stipulated by the RMAFC.
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), responsible for setting salaries and allowances of public officials, announced on Tuesday that each Senate member’s total monthly salary and allowances amount to N1,063,860.00.
The Commission detailed the total monthly pay for lawmakers, which includes: a basic salary of N168,866.70; motor vehicle fueling and maintenance allowance of N126,650; N42,216.66 for a personal assistant; domestic staff – N126,650.00; entertainment – N50,660.00; utilities – N50,660.00; newspapers/periodicals – N25,330.00; wardrobe allowance – N42,216.66; house maintenance – N8,443.33; and constituency allowance – N422,166.66.
However, speaking to BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Sumaila stated that the monthly salary was set by the RMAFC.
“My monthly salary is less than N1million. After deductions, the figure comes down to a little over N600,000,” Senator Sumaila said, adding that: “Given the increase effected, in the Senate, each Senator gets N21million every month as running cost.”
“For instance, furniture allowance (N6,079,200 million) and severance gratuity (N6,079,200 million) are paid once in every tenure and vehicle allowance (N8,105,600 million) which is optional is a loan which the beneficiary has to pay before leaving office.
“A closer look at the monthly entitlement of Senators reveals that each Senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of the sum of N1,063,860:00 consisting of the following: Basic Salary- N168,866:70; Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance Allowance N126,650:00; Personal Assistant N42,216:66; Domestic Staff-126,650:00; Entertainment-N50,660:00; Utilities-N50,660:00; Newspapers/Periodicals-N25,330:00; Wardrobe-N42,216,66:00; House Maintenance -N8,443.33:00 and Constituency Allowance- N422,166:66; respectively,” the RMAFC chairman said in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday.”
He noted that with the exception of some few political and public office holders such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representative, among others, all public and legislative officers are no longer provided with housing as was the case in the past.
“The Commission also wishes to use this opportunity to state that any allegation regarding other allowance(s) being enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation.
“To avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the International Community, the Commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians and any other interested party to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the actual details of the present Remuneration package for Political, Public and Judicial Office holders in Nigeria published on its website: www.rmafc.gov.ng,” he said.
He lamented that RMAFC does not have constitutional powers to enforce compliance with proper implementation of the official remuneration package, a lacuna he said was being addressed by the National Assembly.
Obasempire reports that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a harsh critique of the Nigerian Senate, accusing it of being complicit in the nation’s economic and social decline.
In a passionate speech, Obasanjo did not soften his remarks as he criticized the legislative body for allegedly exploiting their positions to enrich themselves while Nigeria nears catastrophe.
In his address, Obasanjo targeted the self-granted salaries and allowances that he argues have driven up the cost of governance. He criticized the absurdity of the benefits senators award themselves—from “newspaper allowances” to “pant allowances”—while the country suffers under severe economic strain.
“It’s not right, it’s not right, it’s not right,” Obasanjo repeated emphatically, condemning the Senate for what he described as immoral and self-serving practices.
He also pointed fingers at the executive branch, accusing it of colluding with the Senate to siphon off funds, citing instances where exorbitant amounts were allegedly funneled to senators.
Obasanjo’s biting remarks have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, sparking debate over the ethics and responsibilities of those in power.
As Nigeria faces mounting challenges, Obasanjo’s words serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability at the highest levels of government.
Obasempire reports that the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has emphasized her efforts to slash costs drastically at the agency.
She noted that she reduced numerous travel expenses by implementing Zoom meetings, a change that many employees were not pleased with.
“I said I was going to cut to the bone. I am going to be using technology to ensure that our system moves on. We started Zoom meetings in 2018. Many people didn’t like because it they were used to getting travel allowances and DTAs. But we had to save,” Adeyeye said on Friday during an interview with ‘Channels Television’.
She recalled that things were so dicey for NAFDAC when she took over that, by that 2017, she inherited a debt of N3.2 billion when she took over.
According to her, N500 million was unaccounted for, during her interview on Channels Television’s programme, Inside Sources.
Adeyeye noted that if such financial loss had happened in developed climes like the United States, the agency would have been “declared bankrupt and a financial house would have taken over the management of our finances.”
The NAFDAC boss said, “When I got to NAFDAC, I met N3.2b debt, and N500m missing and there was no account for it before I came.
“I asked them if they had capital projects they used the money for. Bear in mind that at that time, N1 million was equivalent to $2,000. So multiply $2,000 by N500m. I was coming from the US where money was hard to get. You worked hard for your money. I could have given up but I saw an opportunity and I seized it.
“It was tough because if that had happened in the US, NAFDAC would have been declared bankrupt, and a financial house would have taken over the management of our finances. But I didn’t have money to hire a financial house.”
She acknowledged that Nigeria is a blessed nation with “enough endowment” to facilitate improved development.
Adeyeye also recalled how she reduced the high expenses by some officials of the agency, citing the introduction of technological applications like Zoom, to cut travel expenses.
She noted, “My point is that we have enough endowment in this country to make things better, and I am using NAFDAC as an example.”
Obasempire reports that the death toll from the recent violence in the Ayati community within the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State has risen to 50, including two police officers, as additional bodies have been discovered.
State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who denounced the resurgence of violence, expressed frustration that the assault occurred despite a significant security presence in the region.
The governor voiced concern that the violence persists in the council area despite substantial security measures and ongoing dialogue sessions his administration has been conducting with stakeholders and traditional leaders to restore peace in Sankera.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, and shared with journalists in Makurdi, the governor described the incident as “another unprovoked assault on the Ayati community in Ukum Local Government Area, where several individuals were reportedly killed.”
“Governor Alia strongly condemns the attack on unarmed innocent citizens of Benue State by armed bandits, expressing worry that such heinous act has continued in the state despite strong security presence.”
Alia, who vowed to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum residents, called on security personnel to improve their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities were not left unguarded.
He explained that the government was awaiting a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to bring out its findings.
“He consoles families that lost their loved ones in the attack, saying his thoughts of comfort and prayers are with them and with the entire people of Ukum Local Government.
Ukum is one of the three local government areas (others are Katsina-Ala and Logo LGs) that make up the Sankara axis where criminality holds sway.
The tragic event occurred in Samaru, Zaria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The family received the compensation on August 7, 2024, prompting significant backlash on social media.
Many Nigerians are expressing disbelief and anger over the compensation, deeming it as grossly insufficient for the loss.
The outrage is visible in various online reactions, where users are condemning the government and military for what they view as a disrespectful valuation of human life.
For example, one user commented that N300,000 is not enough even to buy a cow, let alone compensate for a human life, while another labeled the payment an “extreme insult.”
Several commentators are questioning the value assigned to northern lives and the overall effectiveness of the government in addressing grievances.
Critics argue that the compensation highlights broader issues with governance and societal values, and point out inconsistencies in handling similar cases across different regions of Nigeria.
The frustration extends beyond this specific case, with many Nigerians using it to highlight broader dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach to issues like security and economic hardship.
The discussion around this case has amplified calls for a reassessment of how the government handles victim compensation and values human life.
Obasempire reports that the House of Representatives is proposing a 25-year prison term, a fine of N15 million, or both for anyone convicted of attacking or disrupting schools, abducting or holding students or teachers hostage with the aim of undermining educational progress in the country.
According to the House, if the offence results in death, the convicted individual will face the death penalty.
This proposal is outlined in a bill aimed at criminalizing actions that damage public or private infrastructure due to sabotage against Nigeria’s security and national interests, among other issues.
The proposed legislation, titled the ‘Counter Sabotage Bill 2024’ (HB1651), is sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Introduced in parliament on July 23, 2024, the bill is currently awaiting a second reading to debate its general principles.
The bill also includes a fine of N10 million or a 25-year prison term, or both, for those convicted of aiding, funding, inciting, supporting, or procuring others to sabotage the Federal Government or a state.
Furthermore, the proposed legislation prescribes life imprisonment, without an option of fine, for any person convicted for intentionally setting “fire on a farm or plantation in Nigeria with intention to sabotage food security in Nigeria. While a person who rustles, destroys or kills animals commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of seven years or to a fine of N3 million or to both.”
According to the bill, “A person who sets fires on the road either with tyres or other inflammable materials to obstruct or for the purpose of celebration and causes damage to the road, whether or not the burning of fire was for an unlawful purpose, commits an offence of sabotage under this Bill and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of three years or both.”
It stated that in the event the action “causes injury to a person or damage to property, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N5million or imprisonment for a term of seven years or both, while the offender shall, in addition, to the penalty prescribed, be liable on conviction to pay adequate compensation to the victim of the offence.”
The bill added that if the action results in the death of a person, the offender shall, on conviction, be liable to death.
Similarly, Section 4(1) of the proposed legislation stipulates that “A person who engages in a conduct that destroys or affects any water treatment facility or causes the facility to shut down, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to life imprisonment without an option of fine.” However, when the offence results in the death of a person, the offender shall on conviction be liable to death.
Also, Section 5(1) of the bill prescribes a fine of N15 million or imprisonment for a term of 25 years or both for any person convicted for blowing up a gas pipeline, oil pipeline, electricity facility or water supply pipeline, and disrupting the supply of gas, oil, electricity, petroleum products, or water supply. Nonetheless, when the offence results to the death of a person, the offender, on conviction, shall be liable to death.
Section 6(1) of the bill provides for a fine of N25 million or imprisonment for a term of 20 years or both for a contractor or foreign company “that abandons work intentionally on a critical national infrastructure without reasonable cause in order to damage the facility or project and jeopardise the security and progress of Nigeria.
In addition, the contractor or foreign company shall be blacklisted from doing business in the country.
Furthermore, the bill in Section 7 states that: “A person who uses cyber means by hacking or corrupting data, or by installing malware that destroys critical national data or systems or prepositions a hostile activity to take place at a future date to the detriment of Nigeria’s national security and interest, commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10 million or imprisonment for a term of 15 years or both.”
Similarly, the proposed legislation prescribes life imprisonment, without an option of fine, for anyone convicted of hijacking or disrupting the flight of an aircraft, as well as disrupting the operation of a train. Nevertheless, when the action results in the death of a person, the offender shall, on conviction, be liable to death.
Sections 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the bill states that, “A person who destroys a ship or vessel belonging to the government of Nigeria or a private ship or vessel operating within the Nigerian waters, or a naval ship belonging to the Nigerian Navy, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life without an option of fine.
“A person, who, with intent to prejudice the safety, security or defence of Nigeria (a) impairs the efficiency or impedes the working of any ship, vehicle, aircraft, arms, munitions, equipment, machinery, apparatus or atomic or nuclear plant; or (b) damages or destroys any property which is necessary to keep intact for the safety or health of the public, commits an offence of sabotage and is liable, on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 20 years, or to a fine of N15 million or to both.
“A person, who trespasses on, injures, or destroys any of the works, property or materials of any submarine, mine or torpedo, or fortification or harbour defence system owned, constructed or in the process of construction by Nigeria; interferes with the operation or use of any such submarine, mine, torpedo, fortification or harbour-defence system, or violates any order or regulation issued under an the Act of the National Assembly governing persons, or vessels within the limits of defensive sea areas for the purpose of national defence, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both. Where the violation of subsection (1) results in the death of a person, the offender shall be liable on conviction to death.”
