The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has come under intense scrutiny following a viral video in which an individual claiming to be a NANS official boasted about the brutal physical assault of factional president Atiku Isah. The assailant, whose identity is being investigated, accused Isah of impersonation and vowed further aggression against public figures Omoyele Sowore and social media activist VeryDarkMan.
In the widely circulated video, the self-proclaimed NANS member unapologetically admits to organizing and participating in the attack on Atiku Isah, citing his alleged “unauthorized” representation of the student body. The video, which includes violent threats and inflammatory language, has triggered condemnation from student groups, human rights advocates, and members of the public.
“This is not just an attack on one individual — it is an attack on the principles of democracy and the rights of Nigerian students,” said a representative from a human rights NGO based in Lagos. “We demand a full investigation and accountability for all involved.”
The conflict arises amid ongoing internal divisions within NANS, where multiple factions have vied for legitimacy and recognition. Atiku Isah, recognized by some student congresses as a legitimate representative, has faced persistent opposition from rival groups.