Good morning, Nigeria. Here’s a summary of today’s most talked-about headlines, compiled by Naturenex for Thursday, 1st May, 2025.
1. ‘Tinubu Does Not Want To Hear Anything Apart From Performance’ – EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede
The head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged the public to commend President Bola Tinubu for staying clear of the commission’s operations. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Olukoyede dismissed claims suggesting the agency is being used to intimidate opposition figures.
He stated the President is only interested in how leaders of various ministries and agencies deliver on their responsibilities. According to him, some individuals are deliberately attempting to distract Tinubu from his focus on governance.
2. ‘He Prostrated While Holding His Leg’ – New Details On Fubara’s Visit To Wike
Details have emerged about a private meeting between suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The meeting, reportedly arranged to ease political tensions in Rivers State, was held at Wike’s Abuja residence.
According to sources quoted by Premium Times, Governor Dapo Abiodun and ex-Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba accompanied Fubara. At the meeting, which stretched from April 18 into the early hours of April 19, Fubara reportedly prostrated before Wike, calling him ‘my oga.’ When contacted, Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the FCT Minister, confirmed the meeting took place but declined to reveal its details.
3. APC Invites Governor Eno To Join Its Ranks
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its willingness to welcome Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, following his public doubts about the stability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Felix Morka, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, released a statement on Wednesday, applauding Governor Eno’s metaphor likening the PDP to a faulty aircraft. The APC assured the governor of “highly competent pilots and crew” capable of flying him to “his desired destination” if he chooses to defect.
4. Nigerian Army Refutes Claims Of 26 Soldiers Killed In Borno Blast
The Nigerian Army has debunked reports suggesting that 26 soldiers died in an explosion triggered by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State. A statement posted on the military’s official social media pages clarified that only two soldiers lost their lives and one sustained injuries during an operation escorting civilians from Damboa to the Komala exchange point on Tuesday, April 29.
The military assured the public that a comprehensive report would be shared soon.
5. ‘Only A Northerner Can Counter Tinubu In 2027’ – Dele Momodu
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has expressed his belief that only a northern politician stands a realistic chance against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Momodu pushed back against Tinubu aide Bayo Onanuga’s claim that opposition alliances were “dead on arrival,” insisting unity efforts were still worth pursuing. Momodu also highlighted past leadership roles held by Southerners like Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
6. Appeal Court Upholds Professor Ogban’s Conviction
The Court of Appeal in Calabar has affirmed the conviction and three-year jail term for Professor Peter Ogban over his role in manipulating the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial election in favour of Godswill Akpabio.
The appellate court maintained the earlier ruling from the High Court in Ikot Ekpene, condemning Ogban’s misconduct given his academic stature and public trust responsibilities. Ogban, a University of Calabar Soil Physics professor, had served as the returning officer for the poll and was found to have inflated Akpabio’s votes.
Akpabio has consistently denied involvement in the malpractice.
7. ‘Your Songs Are Healing’ – Davido Tells Moses Bliss
In a touching moment captured on video, Afrobeats star Davido praised gospel singer Moses Bliss, calling his songs “healing.” The artists crossed paths at an airport while Bliss and his mother were en route to visit his wife and newborn in London. The video shows Davido approaching Bliss warmly, embracing him, and offering the heartfelt compliment.
8. Peller Admits Growing Apart From His Family
Popular Nigerian content creator Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, has confessed that he no longer feels emotionally attached to his family. In a chat with TikTok personality Sandra Benede, the 19-year-old revealed the weight of family responsibilities placed on him at a young age.
Peller shared that he now prefers sending money home rather than physically visiting them, choosing distance over emotional strain.
9. Court Sentences Portable To Three Months Imprisonment
An Ogun State Chief Magistrate Court in Ifo has sentenced street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, to three months in prison for assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in November 2022.
The singer was arrested in March 2023 after the incident in Okeosa, Ilogbo. According to court documents, Portable and others conspired to commit assault and theft. Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo found him guilty of two charges, handing down one month’s imprisonment with a ₦10,000 fine option for Count 1, and two months with a ₦20,000 fine option for Count 2.
10. Barcelona And Inter Milan Draw In Six-Goal Champions League Thriller
Football fans were treated to a classic UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night as Barcelona and Inter Milan played out an electrifying 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Inter took an early lead through Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, but Barcelona struck back through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. Dumfries netted again in the second half, before an own goal by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer leveled the score once more. Despite both sides pushing for a winner, the pulsating contest ended in a stalemate, setting up a decisive second leg in Milan.
