The inauguration ceremony of the new leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) took a violent turn on Tuesday, following a brutal attack at the event venue, with the association’s president, Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, accusing Seyi Tinubu son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating the chaos.
The event, held at The Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, was disrupted by armed thugs allegedly carrying guns and machetes. According to Comrade Atiku, the attackers stormed the hall mid ceremony, injuring attendees, halting proceedings, and carting away personal belongings.
“As Senator Ibrahim Shekarau was delivering his speech, the hall was suddenly overrun by thugs led by a man called Ladoja,” Atiku told SaharaReporters on Wednesday. “They stabbed people, beat many, and chased everyone out. It was a coordinated and violent attack.”
Among the high profile guests reportedly targeted were former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada. Both politicians were said to have been rescued by their security aides amid the melee.
Comrade Atiku claimed the violence stemmed from his refusal to accept a N100 million bribe allegedly offered by associates of Seyi Tinubu in a bid to silence him before the inauguration. He said the attack was a direct consequence of rejecting the offer.
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Seyi Tinubu kidnåpped me after I rejected 100 million Naira bribé”😳 – Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) pic.twitter.com/b7ojmQMars
— Naijaonpoint (@NaijaOnPoint) May 2, 2025
“Seyi Tinubu had earlier attempted to block the inauguration and even instructed hotel management to shut down access,” he alleged. “The hotel informed me of his interference, but I insisted we proceed. Shortly after, chaos broke out.”
Atiku further claimed that Seyi Tinubu arrived at the venue with a large security entourage, and not long after, the attackers stormed the event hall, disrupting proceedings and causing injuries.
“After being beaten, I was taken away by unknown persons,” he added. “They’ve done everything to silence me, but Nigerians must know the truth.”
Efforts to reach Senator Shekarau and Capt. Wada for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, as both reportedly declined to respond to calls or messages.
The NANS inauguration had already been fraught with tension, following a controversial and factionalized convention in February. The latest incident has only intensified concerns about political interference and violence within student union activities.
As of press time, there has been no official response from Seyi Tinubu or his representatives regarding the allegations.
