The President of the Forum for African Students Affairs Worldwide (FASAW), Dr. Adejobi Shedrack, has issued a direct call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in the continued detention of student activist Atiku Abubakar Isah by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The FASAW President
emotional appeal underscores growing concerns over human rights abuses in Nigeria.
Isah, a prominent Nigerian student leader, has been held in custody without formal charges since April 29, 2025.
His prolonged detention, reportedly marked by coercion, intimidation, and deteriorating health due to a hunger protest, has triggered outrage across student communities in Africa and raised serious questions about Nigeria’s adherence to constitutional and international human rights standards.
In a press statement released on Thursday, Dr. Shedrack painted a harrowing picture of Atiku’s plight, describing it as “a personal wound to every student across Africa” and “a stain on Nigeria’s moral and democratic credentials.”
“Mr. President, this is no longer a matter for silence or bureaucracy. This is a test of leadership,” Dr. Shedrack said. “Atiku Abubakar Isah’s continued detention without charge defies justice, violates human dignity, and undermines the rule of law.”
Calling on Tinubu to leverage his office and legacy as a champion of democracy, the FASAW president implored him to direct the DSS to release Atiku without delay.
He stressed that every additional day in custody sends “a chilling message to young Nigerians and the global community about the state of freedom in our country.”
The Forum’s call to action comes amid growing domestic and international pressure on Nigerian authorities to account for human rights practices, particularly as they relate to civil society and youth expression.
Atiku’s arrest and alleged mistreatment have already drawn criticism from human rights observers and student unions across West Africa.
“This cannot be allowed to define the legacy of your government, Mr. President,” the statement reads. “We believe in your progressive ideals. We believe in Nigeria. But justice must be seen to be done.”
Dr. Shedrack’s appeal also emphasized the psychological toll on Atiku’s family and the broader student body.
“His suffering has become a rallying cry for youth across the continent,” he said. “We cannot look away. His voice must not be silenced.”
The Forum is calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Atiku’s arrest and detention and has urged civil society organizations, the international diplomatic corps, and human rights defenders to join in demanding accountability.
In closing, the statement offered a message of hope:
“To Atiku, we say: Your courage uplifts us; your pain is not in vain. To his family, we offer solidarity. To Nigerian youth, we will not relent.”
With each passing day, the case of Atiku Abubakar Isah continues to test Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values. For many, President Tinubu’s response could define not only the fate of one young man—but the faith of a generation.
