Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay informed with the top headlines making waves across Nigeria, including President Tinubu’s Christmas message of hope, a tragic kidnapping in Jos, the remand of Olori Naomi over a deadly stampede, and significant developments in national security, local governance, and the economy.
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1. Tinubu, Akpabio, governors urge Nigerians to remain hopeful during Christmas
President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several governors have called on Nigerians to remain optimistic despite economic challenges. In their Christmas messages, they assured citizens of ongoing efforts to restore stability and drive national progress, emphasizing a brighter future for the country.
2. Court orders remand of Olori Naomi, Agidigbo FM owner over stampede deaths
An Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, Agidigbo FM owner Oriyomi Hamzat, and a school principal, Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde, at Agodi Correctional Facility. The remand follows their alleged involvement in a stampede that tragically claimed 40 lives.
3. PSC appoints six new Commissioners of Police
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment and deployment of six new Commissioners of Police across different states. The appointments follow recent promotions within the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and public safety.
4. Edo local government chairmen resume duties amid tensions
Despite resistance from suspected thugs, some local government chairmen in Edo State resumed duties on Tuesday following a court order. The resumed chairmen carried out official assignments amid ongoing political disputes over their positions.
5. Police arrest over 30,000 suspects, rescue 1,581 kidnap victims in 2024
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that the Nigeria Police Force arrested 30,313 suspects and rescued 1,581 kidnap victims in 2024. The police also recovered 1,984 firearms and 23,250 rounds of ammunition during the year.
6. Naira depreciates to N1,650 per dollar in parallel market
The Naira fell to N1,650 per dollar in the parallel market, while appreciating slightly to N1,537 per dollar in the official foreign exchange market. The fluctuation reflects ongoing challenges in stabilizing Nigeria’s currency.
7. Imo police dismantle notorious kidnapping syndicate, arrest suspects
The Imo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate in Orogwe, Owerri West. Three suspects were neutralized, while two others, David Ifeanyichukwu and Abuchi Joseph, were arrested during the operation.
8. PDP criticizes Tinubu’s media chat, accuses APC of insensitivity
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Tinubu’s recent media chat, calling it evidence of the APC-led government’s disconnect from Nigerians’ struggles. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the president’s comments as dismissive of citizens’ challenges.
9. LPDC rejects petition to disbar human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed a petition seeking to disbar human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over alleged defamation of legal luminary Afe Babalola. The committee ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
10. Kidnapped 10-year-old boy murdered despite ransom payment in Jos
A 10-year-old boy, Tasi’u Abdullahi, was found dead in a sack after being kidnapped in Jos North. Despite his parents paying part of the ransom, the abductors killed the child, sparking outrage and calls for justice in the community.
