Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay informed with the top stories shaping Nigeria, including Simon Ekpa’s jail sentence in Finland, fresh denials of ransom payments by ONSA, and threats of nationwide strikes from doctors and ASUU.
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1. Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa for Terrorism Offences
A Finnish court has sentenced self-styled Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related crimes. The ruling by the Päijät-Häme District Court marks a major legal blow to the Finland-based activist, who has long been accused of inciting violence in Nigeria’s southeast.
2. ONSA Dismisses El-Rufai’s Allegations of Ransom Payments
The Office of the National Security Adviser has refuted claims by former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the government pays ransom or bribes to criminals. ONSA’s Legal Services Director, Zakari Mijinyawa, described the allegation as unfounded and contrary to verified evidence of the administration’s counter-terrorism efforts.
3. Minister Promises Quick Fix of Abuja–Kaduna Rail Line
Transportation Minister Said Ahmed Alkali has assured commuters that repairs on the Abuja–Kaduna rail tracks will be completed within 10 days. The tracks were damaged last week after a derailment at Asham Station, raising safety and service concerns on one of Nigeria’s busiest train routes.
4. Malami’s Convoy Attacked by Suspected Political Thugs in Kebbi
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, narrowly escaped an assault when his convoy was attacked near his residence in Birnin Kebbi. The attackers, believed to be political thugs, disrupted the movement of his entourage, sparking tension in the area.
5. Onanuga Slams Calls for Tinubu’s Removal as Power Grab
Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga has described those demanding President Bola Tinubu’s resignation as desperate politicians seeking relevance. His comments followed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent claim that Tinubu could lose his re-election bid in 2027.
6. Police Arrest Cult Suspects with Human Skull in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of the Ku Klux Klans confraternity. The suspects were caught in possession of a human skull and a firearm following a tip-off from a repentant cultist at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
7. Marafa Vows to Mobilise One Million Votes Against Tinubu
Former APC senator Kabiru Marafa has pledged to rally one million votes against President Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Marafa, who coordinated Tinubu’s 2023 campaign in Zamfara, accused the President of sidelining allies and practicing “use-and-dump” politics.
8. Resident Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Welfare
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its welfare demands or face a nationwide strike. The union, after an emergency NEC meeting, cited poor working conditions and unfulfilled agreements as the trigger for its threat.
9. ASUU Warns of Looming University Shutdown
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has cautioned that public universities may soon shut down if the government continues to ignore its demands. ASUU’s Benin Zone accused the administration of deliberately provoking another strike by failing to honor its commitments.
10. Rivers LG Chairmen Urged to Prioritize Grassroots Development
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has charged newly sworn-in local government chairmen to put grassroots needs first. Speaking in Port Harcourt, he emphasized selfless leadership and accountability as keys to improving communities across the 23 councils.
