Here’s a recap of the latest and trending news from Nigeria:
Tinubu Urges Governors to Focus on Results, Ignore Critics
President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to remain focused on delivering tangible results that improve citizens’ lives while disregarding armchair critics. Speaking during a two-day visit to Katsina, the President emphasized that leadership should be measured by visible, positive impact on the populace.
Osun APC Alleges NLC Received N172m to Endorse Governor Adeleke
The All Progressives Congress in Osun State has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress of accepting a N172 million inducement to endorse Governor Ademola Adeleke during the 2025 May Day celebration. The party claims labor union leadership was bribed to publicly support the governor.
Nigerian Air Force Graduates 35 New Pilots for National Assignments
The Nigerian Air Force has inducted 35 new pilots into its flying officers pool following their graduation from the 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna. According to Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the newly trained pilots will be deployed to ongoing operations across various theaters nationwide.
Lagos BRT Driver Sentenced to Death for Murder of Fashion Designer
A Lagos High Court has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit driver, to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old fashion designer Bamise Ayanwola. Justice Sherifat Sonaike delivered the verdict on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Tafawa Balewa Square Annexe court.
Baba-Ahmed Urges Atiku to Abandon Presidential Ambitions
Former Northern Elders Forum spokesperson Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to relinquish his presidential aspirations. Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as Political Adviser to the President in the Office of the Vice President, suggested Atiku—a six-time presidential candidate—should instead support emerging leaders.
ICPC Launches Investigation into Nigerian Education Loan Fund
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has begun investigating the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. The probe follows allegations raised by National Orientation Agency Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu that universities were attempting to sabotage the Tinubu administration’s student loan scheme.
Atiku Calls on Youth to Reform Electoral Process
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerian youth to address challenges in the country’s electoral system, particularly the manual collation of election results. Speaking at the inauguration of the Nigerian Youths for Atiku movement, he encouraged young people to pressure the National Assembly to amend electoral laws to allow electronic result collation.
Witness Claims Simon Ekpa to Be Extradited from Finland for Trial
A prosecution witness identified as PW-AAA testified that Simon Ekpa will soon be brought from Finland to Nigeria to face trial for supporting Nnamdi Kanu in the Biafra independence movement. The witness, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, made this statement during cross-examination at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Fire Destroys Three Shops in Ibadan’s Sango Area
Three shops were destroyed by fire early Friday morning in the Sango area of Ibadan, Oyo State. The blaze, which erupted around 4:30 a.m. behind the Fart Oil filling station, reportedly began after an electrical spark from a plugged-in freezer ignited nearby combustible materials.
Defence Headquarters Confirms Arrest of Security Personnel Aiding Terrorists
Four security personnel have been arrested for aiding terrorist operations in Nigeria’s North-East region, according to the Defence Headquarters. The suspects include two members of hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops in counter-insurgency operations.
Atiku Warns Tinubu to “Call Family to Order” Over Alleged Assault
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to restrain his family members, particularly his son Seyi Tinubu, who allegedly seeks to “purchase political loyalty” through “coercion, violence, and intimidation.” The statement follows accusations from National Association of Nigerian Students President Comrade Atiku Isah claiming physical assault, abduction, and bribery attempts.
Federal Colleges of Education Now Authorized to Award Bachelor’s Degrees
The Federal Government has officially implemented the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education following the passage of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023. The landmark legislation, signed by President Tinubu, empowers these institutions to award both Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education as part of ongoing reforms in teacher education.
Labour Party Rejects Coalition Talks Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has announced it will not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections. Following its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the party stated it would instead focus on rebuilding, repositioning, and reconciling with dissatisfied members to strengthen its position before the polls.
Government Issues 90-Day Ultimatum to Foreigners with Expired Visas
The Federal Government has given foreigners residing in Nigeria on expired visas a 90-day window to depart voluntarily or face penalties. Nigeria Immigration Service spokesperson ACI Akinsola Akinlabi announced that the grace period runs from May 1 to August 1, 2025, after which individuals who have overstayed their visas by more than a year will face permanent entry bans.
Seyi Tinubu Denies Bribery and Abduction Allegations by NANS President
President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has refuted allegations of attempted bribery, abduction, and torture made by National Association of Nigerian Students President Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah. Tinubu described the claims—which included an alleged ₦100 million bribe offer—as defamatory, denying he ever met with Isah in Lagos regarding the matter.
Akon Claims Credit for Wizkid’s International Success
Senegalese-American singer Akon has claimed he played a crucial role in Wizkid’s rise to international fame, stating the Nigerian artist was “just a local star” before signing to his record label in 2008. During a Bagfuel Brigade podcast appearance, Akon also asserted that Afrobeats would not have achieved its current global status without his efforts to develop Nigerian artists and open international markets for them.
Shooting Stars FC Denies Match-Fixing Allegations
The management of Shooting Stars Football Club has strongly denied allegations of match-fixing made by a radio presenter on an Ibadan-based station. The presenter had accused the club of deliberately surrendering a two-goal lead against Katsina United and intentionally losing the South West derby to Remo Stars. In an official statement, the Oluyole Warriors dismissed the claims as “baseless, barbaric, and unfounded.”