DSS Invites Northern Students’ President After Issuing Two-Week Ultimatum Over Detention Of Ex-Governor El-Rufai

The National President of the Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS), Comrade Sani Adamu, has confirmed to SaharaReporters that he has been invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a press conference in which the group gave the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum over the alleged continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking with SaharaReporters on Friday, Adamu said he received a call from an official at the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja after the association submitted copies of its press conference statement to relevant government agencies, including the secret police.

According to him, the DSS official asked about his whereabouts and requested that he report to the agency’s headquarters on Monday.
“After our press conference giving a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria to release Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, we submitted a copy of our press conference statement to other relevant agencies, including the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja,” Adamu told SaharaReporters.

“The Student Desk officer called me yesterday and asked me whether I’m in Abuja. I told him that I travelled to Kaduna but hopefully I’m coming back to Abuja on Saturday. He said, ‘Okay, no problem, let’s see by Monday at the DSS National Headquarters.’”

“I will go there on Monday and see what will happen,” he told SaharaReporters.

In a statement announcing the development, the Association of Northern Nigerian Students said Adamu would honour the invitation on Monday, August 3, 2026, accompanied by members of the association’s National Executive Council.

The association said the invitation was connected to its recent press conference, during which it issued what it described as a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over the alleged continued detention of El-Rufai.

“The Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS) wishes to formally inform members of the press, the general public, and all relevant stakeholders that its National President, Comrade Sani Adamu, has received an official invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS) National Headquarters,” the statement read.

“This invitation is in connection with the recent press conference held by the Association, during which a two-week ultimatum was issued to the Federal Government regarding the continued detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.”

The group said it would honour the invitation in line with its commitment to lawful engagement and respect for constituted authorities.

“The purpose of this visit is to engage in a constructive and fruitful discussion with the DSS concerning the issues raised, in the interest of justice, dialogue, and national stability,” the statement added.

The association also called on journalists, civil society organisations and members of the public to monitor the development, insisting that it remains committed to peaceful advocacy, transparency and the protection of fundamental human rights.