Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 17 September 2025

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Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Work Vacation In Paris

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday evening returned to Abuja from Paris after cutting short his annual working vacation. He arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he was received by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, among others.

The development was confirmed by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, via his verified X handle. Tinubu, who was expected to spend 10 working days in France and the United Kingdom, ended the trip ahead of schedule to resume official duties in Abuja.


Fire Erupts at Afriland Towers in Lagos Marina

A fire on Tuesday broke out at Afriland Towers in the Marina area of Lagos Island, housing a branch of the United Bank for Africa and other businesses. Videos circulating online showed thick smoke rising from the high-rise building, sparking panic in the busy commercial district.

Emergency responders were mobilised to the scene as workers and residents evacuated the premises. Authorities were yet to confirm the cause of the blaze or the extent of damage at the time of filing this report.


Tinubu: DSS Initiates Five Charges Against Sowore

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count charge against former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, alongside social media firms X Corp and Meta, over posts critical of President Bola Tinubu.

The suit, dated September 16, 2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja after Sowore refused to delete the posts. Court filings show that prosecutors allege the comments labelling Tinubu a “criminal” were defamatory and capable of inciting public disorder.


Nigerian Army Arrests Notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, Gentle de Yahoo

The Nigerian Army has announced the capture of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias Gentle de Yahoo, a notorious commander of IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

He was arrested in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, during a joint operation involving security agencies. Recovered items included arms, uniforms, motorcycles, and dismantled vehicles. Troops also destroyed a hideout believed to serve as a workshop for stolen vehicles.


NIMC Confirms 123 Million Nigerians Captured in Identity Database

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that no fewer than 123 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the national identity database.

Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, noting that each registrant had been issued a National Identification Number (NIN). She said the agency was intensifying efforts to capture the remaining population.


Emmanuel Odo Appointed Acting Senate Clerk

The National Assembly Service Commission has approved the appointment of Emmanuel Odo as Acting Clerk of the Senate.

In a letter signed by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, the commission conveyed the appointment, which takes immediate effect. Odo is expected to oversee administrative functions of the Senate pending a substantive appointment.


Heavy Flooding Hits Parts of Lagos Again

Parts of Lagos State were submerged on Tuesday morning after heavy rainfall caused flooding across several communities.

Ikorodu was the worst hit, with property worth millions of naira reportedly destroyed. The incident comes just weeks after similar flooding wreaked havoc in the state. Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert.


Zamfara Police Confirm Kidnap of Eight Worshippers

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of eight worshippers during morning prayers at Gidan Turbe in Tsafe Local Government Area.

Spokesperson Yazid Abubakar said the victims included Liman Yahaya, Dan Garfi, Malam Damu, Bello Natsuhuwa, Yakubu Isa, Audu Minista, Yaquba Ado, and Sabi Usman. Security operatives have launched a manhunt to rescue the abducted persons.


Obidient Movement Endorses Moghalu for Anambra Governorship

The Obidient Movement has endorsed George Moghalu as the Labour Party candidate for the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the movement said its decision followed three formal meetings with Moghalu, during which he shared his vision and strategies for the state.


Adebayo Labels Tinubu a ‘Tax Collector’

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Adewole Adebayo, has described President Bola Tinubu as a “well-known tax collector.”

Adebayo made the remark during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, where he criticised the administration’s revenue policies.


We Are Not Borrowing Enough – Presidency

The Presidency has dismissed concerns over rising debt, insisting that Nigeria is “under-borrowing.”

Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua, told Channels Television that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 39 per cent, which he argued is manageable. He added that loans are being directed at developmental projects rather than wasted.


Rivers Emergency Rule Was a Necessity – Ibas

Outgoing Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has defended the emergency rule imposed in the state in March 2025.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Ibas said the decision was essential to restore peace after political breakdown and insecurity. He cited the peaceful conduct of the August local government elections as one of the gains of the intervention.


PDP Clarifies Zoning Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that its zoning formula will not bar candidates from other regions from contesting the 2027 presidential ticket.

National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade told Arise TV that zoning promotes equity but cannot override the Nigerian Constitution, which allows aspirants from any part of the country to contest.


Hilda Baci’s Mother Recounts Fear Over Giant Jollof Pot

The mother of celebrity chef Hilda Baci has shared her fears during her daughter’s Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice.

Speaking during an online church service, Bassey Baci said she doubted the plan at first but relied on prayer and fasting for success. She admitted she was afraid the giant pot might collapse under the weight of food.


Tiwa Savage Says She Wants More Children

Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has revealed her desire to have more children, particularly boys.

Speaking in an interview with U.S. podcaster Joe Budden, Savage said she had frozen her eggs in preparation. “I want more children, boys. I have actually done egg freezing,” she said, adding that her decision was influenced by her age.


Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Dreams Get Major Boost

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed a lifeline in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld FIFA’s decision to dock six points from Equatorial Guinea.

The sanction, for fielding ineligible striker Emilio Nsue, dropped Equatorial Guinea from second to fifth place in Group H. The ruling boosts Nigeria’s chances of securing one of the best runners-up spots in the qualifiers.


Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise Begin Champions League Campaign With Wins

Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory away at Athletic Club on Tuesday night, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

In Eindhoven, Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise stunned PSV with a 3-1 win. Nigerian forward Peter Akinpelu scored early, before Anouar Ait El Hadj and Kevin Mac Allister sealed the victory despite a late consolation for the hosts.


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