Good morning, Nigeria — and welcome to your Naturenex roundup of the leading headlines making waves across the country this Monday, 16th June 2025.
1. Security Chiefs Storm Benue After Tinubu’s New Directive
Top military and security officials have arrived in Benue State following a fresh directive from President Bola Tinubu aimed at ending the escalating violence in the state. This was confirmed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
According to the presidency, the decision follows a spate of reprisal attacks that claimed nearly 200 lives. Tinubu also instructed Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate reconciliation meetings among affected communities to restore peace between farmers, herders, and local groups. He described the recent killings as “inhuman” and urged community and political leaders to avoid inflammatory statements capable of worsening tensions.
2. APC Meeting Turns Chaotic Over Omission Of Shettima In Tinubu Endorsement
A stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-East ended abruptly after controversy broke out over the exclusion of Vice President Kashim Shettima in an endorsement speech.
Mustapha Salihu, APC’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), caused an uproar when he called for President Tinubu’s unopposed candidacy in 2027 without mentioning Shettima. Delegates immediately accused him of deliberate sabotage, forcing security operatives to intervene.
Efforts to calm the situation by Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, who later endorsed both Tinubu and Shettima, could not prevent the meeting from breaking down after National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje also omitted Shettima in his closing remarks.
3. “Labour Party Is The Worst” – Sowore Fires At Nigeria’s Opposition
Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has lambasted opposition parties in Nigeria, describing most of them as mere feeder platforms for the APC and PDP.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Sowore claimed that many of these parties, especially the Labour Party (LP), were formed as political vehicles to capture power before defecting to mainstream parties. He maintained that his party, AAC, remains the only genuine opposition in the country.
4. MKO Abiola’s Son Denies Babangida Ever Apologised
Kola Abiola, eldest son of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has denied claims that former military leader Ibrahim Babangida apologised to their family over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
While his brother Lekan Abiola earlier suggested that Babangida privately apologised, Kola dismissed the claim during an interview with Arise News, insisting no such apology was ever received. He further challenged Babangida to publicly take responsibility for his role, as former President Muhammadu Buhari did years ago.
5. Atiku’s Aide Mocks Tinubu Govt, Dismisses Wike’s Remarks As ‘Whiskey-Induced’
Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that growing support for a planned opposition coalition ahead of 2027 has unsettled the ruling APC and President Tinubu.
Speaking with Vanguard, Ibe accused the government of resorting to baseless attacks out of fear. He also dismissed recent comments by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who downplayed the coalition’s chances, attributing his remarks to the influence of alcohol.
6. NDLEA Nabs Man Swallowing 53 Wraps Of Cocaine At Port Harcourt Airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 44-year-old businessman, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian, for attempting to smuggle 53 wraps of cocaine to Iran through Port Harcourt International Airport.
According to NDLEA’s Sunday statement, Chukwuebuka was stopped before boarding a Qatar Airways flight and later expelled the drugs in six excretions totaling 1.172kg. The suspect reportedly confessed to engaging in the illicit trade for two years.
7. Davido Bows Out Of 50 Cent’s London Concert Citing ‘Principle’
Nigerian music star Davido has pulled out of 50 Cent’s Legacy Tour concert scheduled for July 3rd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, the singer cited matters of principle and artistic integrity as the reasons for his withdrawal, clarifying it was not due to ticket sales. Davido wished the remaining artists a successful show.
8. Patrick Doyle Says Ex-Wife Kept His Surname Because He’s More Famous
Veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle, has claimed that his ex-wife retained his surname post-divorce because of his superior popularity.
Speaking on The Muvmnt Studio, Doyle insisted that he achieved fame in his teenage years, long before his former spouse gained public attention. He added that his identity could never be defined by anyone else.
9. Bayern Munich Shatter Club World Cup Record With 10–0 Win
Bayern Munich has made history at the FIFA Club World Cup after thrashing Auckland City 10–0 in their Group C opener.
The German champions, led by Vincent Kompany, delivered a ruthless performance at TQL Stadium, with Kingsley Coman and Michael Olise leading the onslaught. Olise notched two goals and two assists in a dazzling display as Bayern secured the tournament’s biggest-ever win.
10. Chiamaka Nnadozie Says Goodbye To Paris FC After Trophy-Winning Spell
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has confirmed her departure from Paris FC, bringing an end to a memorable five-year stay.
Joining the French side in 2020, Nnadozie leaves after helping the club win the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine — their first major trophy in nearly two decades. She was the star of the final, saving two penalties in a dramatic shootout victory over PSG.
That wraps up today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines from Naturenex. Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow.
