Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of the major headlines across Nigerian newspapers for Thursday, April 17, 2025.
1. Nigeria Facing National Collapse As Tinubu Holidays In France – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s current visit to France, describing it as unwarranted and insensitive given Nigeria’s ongoing crises.
In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku said Tinubu’s absence is deeply troubling, especially at a time when the nation is grappling with severe insecurity, economic hardship, and rising despair. He cited the recent attacks in Plateau and Borno States as examples of why the President’s presence is crucial.
According to Atiku, “There is nothing Tinubu is doing in France that can’t be done in Nigeria.”
2. Rivers Government Refutes Claims Of Summons On Fubara
The Rivers State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Sole Administrator Ibot Ekwe-Ibas summoned suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
A circulating statement attributed to the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Lucky Worika, had suggested that Ibas requested detailed records of Fubara’s appointments and governance decisions.
However, Sir Dede Sampson Friday, Permanent Secretary of the Special Services Bureau, called the reports fictitious, urging the public to ignore the misinformation, which he said is designed to incite instability.
3. EFCC: CBEX Victims Will Get Their Money Back
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reassured Nigerians who invested in the failed digital trading platform CBEX that efforts are underway to recover their funds.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale revealed during an interview on Channels Television that investigations had already begun before the platform’s collapse, and collaboration with international partners is ongoing.
He said many individuals have been reaching out to the commission and that while recovery efforts are in motion, the process may take time.
CBEX had promised investors double returns on investments before withdrawals were abruptly frozen last weekend.
4. Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price Again
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), now set at ₦835 per litre, down from ₦865.
This price change aligns with the decline in global crude oil prices, which recently dropped to $64 per barrel.
Despite earlier reductions, many independent marketers had not adjusted their retail prices, raising hopes that this new cut may offer consumers some relief.
The Dangote Refinery continues to play a key role in stabilizing Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector with its massive 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity.
5. “Social Media Is A Terrorist Organisation” – Sultan of Sokoto
Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, has sparked controversy after labeling social media as a “terrorist organisation.”
Speaking at the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Sultan condemned the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social platforms.
He remarked, “Social media is one terrorist organisation… Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media.”
6. House of Reps Summons Rivers Sole Administrator
The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee overseeing developments in Rivers State has summoned Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) to appear for a briefing today, April 17, 2025.
According to Akin Rotimi (Jnr), spokesperson for the House, the session aims to review recent actions in the state under Ibas’ leadership.
This comes two days after the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, officially inaugurated the committee.
7. Jonathan Debunks 2027 Endorsement Rumors
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.
His Media Office issued a statement rejecting an online article titled, “Tinubu will win 2027 presidential election – Goodluck Jonathan.”
The statement clarified that Jonathan made no such comments during his recent trip to Seoul, South Korea, where he received the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize.
Jonathan’s aide, Ikechukwu Eze, labeled the story as completely fabricated.
8. Eniola Badmus Breaks Silence After Spat With Laide Bakare
Nollywood star and politician Eniola Badmus has addressed the public feud with actress Laide Bakare that erupted at the premiere of Owanbe Thieves.
Bakare accused Badmus of calling her an “animal” and claimed she was instrumental in launching her acting career.
In her first public response, Badmus took to Instagram, urging for peace and cooperation within the industry, emphasizing that envy is unnecessary in a space big enough for everyone to thrive.
9. Eniola Ajao Clarifies Bobrisky Arrest Allegations
Filmmaker Eniola Ajao has distanced herself from the arrest of popular crossdresser Idris Okunneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who was convicted for naira abuse in 2024.
Following his prison sentence, Bobrisky had claimed that his troubles began after receiving an award at Ajao’s movie premiere.
However, in an interview with Oyinmomotv on YouTube, Ajao denied any involvement, stating, “Bobrisky was arrested over a lot of things,” suggesting that the issue extended beyond the award.
10. Arsenal Stun Real Madrid As Inter Sends Bayern Packing
In an exciting night of UEFA Champions League quarter-final action, Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, completing a remarkable 5-1 aggregate win to reach the semi-finals for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw at the San Siro, securing their spot in the final four with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
That wraps up today’s top headlines from Naturenex. Stay informed with more breaking stories and in-depth news across Nigeria. See you tomorrow.
