Good Morning! Here are today’s top highlights from Nigerian Newspapers:
1. The media industry was on Monday thrown into mourning following the gruesome murder of ARISE News Channel female Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Until her death, she was a News Anchor, Reporter and Producer. The lawyer cum journalist was killed by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers at her residence in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
2. A nationwide shutdown of Nigerian universities is imminent following a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government of Nigeria by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. This was confirmed on Monday by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, who signed a copy of strike action.
3. Renowned Nigerian businessman, Femi Otedola has slammed a N1 billion libel suit against Umar Sani, a former aide to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo after he was accused of benefiting in fuel subsidy fraud. Sani had alleged that Otedola was part of the subsidy subsidy fraud under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Otedola has now taken exception to those allegations, describing them as "malicious lies".
4. The Nigerian Labour Congress, NCL, has announced commencement of action against the Dangote Refinery. This is in solidarity with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN’s nationwide strike.
5. Ahead of the commemoration of Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria has called off the traditional Independence Day parade. The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). No reason was given for the cancellation.
6. A Federal High Court in Abuja, has stopped Prof. Pat Utomi from going ahead with his “shadow government” in Nigeria. Justice James Omotosho, in a judgement delivered on Monday, declared the move as “unconstitutional and void.” The Department of State Services, DSS, filed the suit.
7. The National Industrial Court in Abuja, has restrained the Petroleum, Natural Gas Workers Association of Nigeria (PENGASSON) from embarking on its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE. Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim delivered the ruling on Monday while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, George Ibrahim on behalf of Dangote Refinery.
8. The presidency cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against joining the 2023 presidential race. This comes after former minister, Prof Jerry Gana confirmed that Jonathan will be in the race. In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, the presidency reminded Jonathan that he had been sworn in two times into office.
9. First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, wife of Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has revealed that some close associates betrayed the husband prior to the 2023 presidential election. The Nigeria First Lady, who said Tinubu nursed presidential ambition for 14 years, made in her new 52-page book, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, released to mark her 65th birthday.
10. Nigeria’s hope of featuring in the next World Cup has received a major boost. This is as the World football governing body, FIFA, has finally penalized South Africa for using an ineligible player in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying series. FIFA in a statement on Monday, said the South Africans will have to forfeit the match, and Lesotho has been awarded 3 goals and 3 points.
