The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the University of Abuja, Comrade Yusuf Tobi Jamiu, has accused alumnus and legal practitioner Babatunde Akintade (Barrister Bucknor) of orchestrating a violent attack on students over a land dispute.

In a petition dated September 16, 2025, submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Jamiu described the September 4, 2025 incident at the University’s Mini-Campus in Gwagwalada as a “barbaric and unlawful assault.” The gathering had been convened to discuss concerns over the alleged illegal takeover of university land by the Gwagwalada Local Government Council, which is protected under the University of Abuja Establishment Act (1988).

According to the SUG President, instead of allowing constructive dialogue, Akintade allegedly mobilized and personally led armed thugs to disrupt the peaceful assembly. Jamiu claims he was slapped, hit with a shovel, stripped, and forced to walk barefoot in front of students, describing the attack as both humiliating and life-threatening.

Other students were reportedly injured:

• Senator Oladoja Afix sustained a deep head injury.
• SUG Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Umar Muhammad, was beaten more than ten times with a shovel.
• Female senator Hauwa Dahiru Usman was struck on the head with a stone.
• Several others were reportedly beaten and stoned indiscriminately.

Jamiu further alleged that students’ phones were smashed or seized to destroy evidence and suppress the truth. He added that the attacks appeared to be a targeted effort to cripple student leadership.

He also raised concerns about police conduct, claiming that some officers in Gwagwalada unlawfully arrested students following the attack, allegedly with the guidance of Akintade’s associate, Danlami Huzaifa.

In the petition, Jamiu argued that the assault violated Sections 33, 34, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the right to life, dignity, and freedom of peaceful assembly.

The SUG President demanded:

1. Immediate investigation and prosecution of Barr. Akintade for incitement, assault, attempted murder, and destruction of property.
2. Disciplinary action by the Nigerian Bar Association for professional misconduct.
3. Independent investigation into the conduct of police officers involved.
4. Protection of University of Abuja land from illegal encroachment.
5. Enhanced security for student leaders and union offices to prevent recurrence of such attacks.

Jamiu warned that failing to take decisive action could embolden violent actors, undermine students’ rights, and threaten campus safety, urging the NHRC to ensure justice, accountability, and protection for Nigerian students.