A violent disruption marred the inauguration of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Tuesday, with allegations that thugs associated with Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, orchestrated the chaos.
The thugs which allegedly linked to Seyi Tinubu kidnapped and assaulted the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah following his refusal to accept a ₦100 million bribe purportedly offered to secure his support for the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The attack also targeted prominent political figures such as former Minister of Education and two-term Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada.
According to Atiku, the assailants — armed with cutlasses and firearms — stormed The Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro during the inauguration ceremony. He claimed that the violence erupted moments after Senator Shekarau began his address, with thugs halting the event, injuring attendees, and stealing personal belongings.
“At the venue, which I personally funded, Seyi Tinubu arrived with a large security presence and demanded the event be stopped,” Atiku recounted. “Despite interference warnings from the hotel management, I chose to proceed. That’s when armed thugs burst in, disrupted Senator Shekarau’s speech, attacked guests, and looted phones and valuables.”
Atiku further alleged that the incident was premeditated, linking it to a failed bribery attempt aimed at silencing him. He claimed that an offer of ₦100 million was made through a presidential aide to prevent him from speaking out, which he rejected.
“When the thugs arrived, led by one Ladoja, they attacked attendees with machetes and guns,” Atiku said. “I am deeply concerned for my safety and urge Nigerians to plead with Seyi Tinubu to spare my life.”
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged incident.