By Capital Watch Media
The Al-Mushahid Initiative for Transparency and Accountability (AITA) strongly condemns in absolute terms the appalling and barbaric attack on the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which occurred on Monday, April 29, 2025, at the Whales Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja.
Eyewitness accounts have confirmed that the incident unfolded in broad daylight during an event attended by prominent figures, including former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau. While he was delivering his speech, a group of armed thugs stormed the venue, disrupted the proceedings, and unleashed violence. The NANS President was singled out and subjected to an inhuman assault using machetes and axes in full view of attendees. The hotel’s staff allegedly obstructed efforts to record the incident while security personnel and bouncers reportedly fled the scene, offering no protection or intervention.
Witnesses stated that after the beating, the young student leader was dragged across the floor, thrown into a waiting vehicle, and taken away in a manner reminiscent of criminal abductions. The sight of such lawlessness and impunity at a public event is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about the state of security and justice in our society.
The national presidential, AITA, Ambassador Aminu Majidadi while addressing newsmen in Abuja, stressed that it was imperative for all meaning Nigerians to stand against this act against humanity.
He continued “We categorically reject this descent into political gangsterism and intimidation, which seeks to impose leadership by coercion and fear. We view this incident not only as a direct attack on the victim but also as a dangerous affront to the democratic values and freedoms that underpin any civilised society. The growing trend of suppressing voices through violence must not be allowed to take root.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant authorities to launch a thorough and immediate investigation into this heinous act. All perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation or backing, must be apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law. The management of Whales Carlton Hotel must also be held accountable for its failure to protect guests and for allegedly aiding in the obstruction of justice.
“Nigeria cannot afford to drift into a climate where fear and thuggery dictate the outcomes of leadership contests. We urge the public, civil society, and all stakeholders to rise in solidarity and demand accountability. Democracy must be defended—not with violence, but with the rule of law, he said.
