Good morning, Nigeria. Here’s your comprehensive Naturenex roundup of the most talked-about stories making headlines across the country this Saturday, 3rd May, 2025.
1. “Call Your Family To Order” — Atiku Cautions Tinubu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to swiftly address the alleged misconduct of his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, whom Atiku accused of attempting to “purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary, including coercion, violence, and intimidation.”
Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed alarm over the disturbing claims made by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, Comrade Atiku Isah. Isah had alleged acts of physical assault, abduction, and inducement linked to Seyi Tinubu — a development Atiku described as dangerous and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
2. DSS: “Simon Ekpa’s Extradition Imminent” As Kanu’s Trial Stalls
A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday revealed before a Federal High Court in Abuja that plans are underway to extradite Simon Ekpa, a self-styled disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, from Finland. The operative, identified as PW-AAA, disclosed this during cross-examination by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), Kanu’s lead counsel.
While confirming that no weapons were recovered during Nnamdi Kanu’s 2015 arrest, the DSS operative noted that seized materials hinted at intentions surpassing ordinary political dissent.
3. Lagos BRT Driver Sentenced To Death For Bamise’s Murder
In a landmark judgment, Lagos State High Court sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a BRT bus driver, to death by hanging for the 2022 murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike delivered the ruling on Friday, affirming that the prosecution proved its case using the victim’s dying declaration and circumstantial evidence. Bamise was last seen boarding Ominikoron’s bus before her body was discovered nine days later.
Naturenex recalls that Ominikoron also faced charges of rape and conspiracy involving other victims.
4. “Workers Are Poorly Paid In Nigeria, Let’s Stop Pretending” — Laolu Akande
Former presidential aide Laolu Akande has called for urgent salary reforms for Nigerian workers. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Akande emphasized the need for a living wage, especially on Workers’ Day.
“Workers’ Day is not just a celebration. It’s a moment to reflect on what is missing in Nigeria’s labour system,” he said.
“We don’t pay good remuneration at all… Politicians will say the government is doing something. The private sector will pretend to pay decent salaries. Workers also pretend to be well paid. But the truth is, people are poorly paid in this country.”
Akande praised improvements in judges’ salaries but urged similar efforts for other professions.
5. Federal Colleges of Education to Issue Bachelor’s Degrees
The Federal Government has commenced the Dual Mandate Policy rollout, enabling Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs) to award both NCE and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education.
Signed into law by President Tinubu, this policy is expected to transform teacher education nationwide. Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, who made the announcement in Abuja, described the initiative as a game-changer for Nigeria’s education sector.
6. Labour Party Dismisses Coalition Rumours
Julius Abure’s Labour Party faction has ruled out joining any coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. This was confirmed in a communique after their NEC meeting in Abuja on Friday.
The statement read: “NEC declared that the Party is not and will not be part of any coalition towards the 2027 General Election. The Party will rather continue to rebuild, reposition, re-strategize, reconcile, strengthen, drive its programs and policies, win more members towards winning the 2027 General Elections.”
The party also threw its weight behind Anambra governorship candidate George Moghalu.
7. FG Issues 90-Day Ultimatum To Foreigners With Expired Visas
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has granted a three-month grace period to foreigners with expired visas to leave Nigeria voluntarily, warning of severe penalties for defaulters after 1st August, 2025.
Spokesman ACI Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed the directive, adding that one-year overstayers would now face a permanent entry ban. The move tightens earlier sanctions announced by Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, including daily fines and extended bans.
8. Seyi Tinubu Hits Back At NANS President Over Bribery, Abduction Claims
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu, has categorically denied bribery and abduction allegations made by NANS President Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah.
Isah had alleged in a press conference that Seyi and Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande offered him ₦100 million to promote the president — a claim Seyi labelled defamatory in an Instagram post.
He also denied any meeting in Lagos regarding the alleged incident.
9. “Wizkid Was A Local Star Before My Label Signed Him” — Akon
Senegalese-American star Akon claims he played a crucial role in elevating Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid’s career, revealing on the Bagfuel Brigade podcast that Wizkid was relatively unknown before joining his label in 2008.
“In 2008, I spent my time in Nigeria developing what you see today as Afrobeats… Wizkid was just the local Nigerian star before we touched him and it opened up to a bigger market,” Akon stated.
He credited himself for bringing business structure to the Nigerian music industry, helping shape Afrobeats’ global appeal.
10. Shooting Stars FC Denies Match-Fixing Allegations
Shooting Stars Football Club has firmly refuted claims of match-fixing made by a radio sports presenter in Ibadan. The club dismissed the accusations as “baseless, barbaric, and unfounded,” expressing outrage at the damage done to the team’s integrity.
The management emphasized its commitment to clean sportsmanship and professional conduct.
