Monday, December 22, 2025
Good morning, Nigeria.
Welcome to Legit9ja’s carefully curated roundup of the most talked-about stories making headlines across Nigerian newspapers today, Monday, December 22, 2025.
1. Presidency Confirms Release of Abducted Niger State Schoolchildren
The Presidency has confirmed that all pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have regained their freedom.
According to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, the remaining 130 pupils were released on Sunday. However, details surrounding their release, including whether ransom was paid, were not disclosed.
2. NAFDAC Reacts to Indomie Recall Concerns
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians that the recalled Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour is not registered or sold in Nigeria.
The agency explained that the recall was issued by French authorities after undeclared allergens were detected in the product. NAFDAC stressed that noodles remain on Nigeria’s import prohibition list, making the product’s presence in the country highly unlikely.
3. Why PDP May Offer Alex Otti 2027 Governorship Ticket
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, has hinted that Abia State Governor Alex Otti could be offered the party’s governorship ticket in 2027 if he defects to the PDP.
Wabara described Otti as a valuable political asset whose performance has attracted interest across party lines, adding that the PDP remains strong in the South-East.
4. Akpabio Takes Natasha Suspension Case to Supreme Court
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly approached the Supreme Court over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This follows the Court of Appeal’s decision to strike out Akpabio’s appeal due to procedural flaws. His legal team argues that the ruling denied him a fair hearing and is seeking a reversal at the apex court.
5. ICPC Invites Dangote Over Petition Against Farouk Ahmed
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has invited billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote following his petition against former NMDPRA boss, Farouk Ahmed.
Dangote accused Ahmed of corruption and misuse of public funds. The ICPC has reportedly set up a special investigative panel, with Dangote expected to appear or be represented by his lawyer.
6. Peter Obi Condemns Vote-Buying, Urges House of Reps to Act
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the House of Representatives for failing to take decisive action against vote-buying.
He described vote-buying as a serious threat to democracy, warning that Nigeria cannot achieve credible elections or sustainable development while electoral corruption persists.
7. Men Now Prefer Marrying Single Mothers — Iyabo Ojo
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo says societal attitudes toward single mothers have changed significantly.
According to her, many men now actively pursue single mothers for serious relationships and marriage, citing their maturity and life experience. She encouraged single mothers to remain confident and hopeful about love.
8. Daniel Etim-Effiong Recounts Expulsion Over Cultism Allegation
Actor Daniel Etim-Effiong has revealed that he was once expelled from university after being falsely accused of cultism.
The experience, he said, deeply affected his faith and personal life, pushing him into a difficult phase before he eventually found healing and direction.
9. Morocco Beat Comoros in AFCON 2025 Opener
Host nation Morocco kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Comoros.
Brahim Díaz opened the scoring, while Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the victory with a stunning bicycle kick in an entertaining tournament opener.
10. Bruno Fernandes Set to Miss Games After Injury
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that captain Bruno Fernandes will be out for a while after suffering a hamstring injury during a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
The midfielder was substituted at halftime, with the club awaiting further medical assessment.
That’s a wrap on today’s major Nigerian newspaper headlines.
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