Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 5th September, 2025
1. President Tinubu Commences Annual Leave, Departs Nigeria For France
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, departed the shores of Nigeria for France as he commences his annual leave.
The President was seen off from the airport by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Hope Uzodimma, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu and others.
As earlier reported by Naija News, President Tinubu is embarking on a working vacation in Europe.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a statement via 𝕏 on Thursday.
Onanuga said Tinubu will depart Abuja for Europe on Thursday for his 2025 annual leave, which will last for ten working days.
2. ‘Tread With Caution, Vacate Ministry Of Finance Premises’ – DHQ Warns Protesting Retired Soldiers
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned retired military personnel protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to end the protest and vacate the premises immediately.
The warning was given on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
He said while the DHQ recognizes the right of the veterans to legitimate protest, the military high command could no longer tolerate their action as it lacked merit and also disrupted government activities at the Finance Ministry.
Kangye explained that before the implementation of the minimum wage, there were two charts for calculating soldiers’ gratuity and debarment allowance, in addition to the minimum wage chart.
According to him, the gratuity and debarment allowance of the retired soldiers is calculated based on the old chart because they left service before the new minimum wage came into effect, but the protesters want their emoluments calculated based on the new minimum wage.
3. “I Can Tell You The Location Of Every Bandit Kingpin In Zamfara” – Gov. Lawal
The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has claimed to know the actual location of terrorists and bandits operating in the state.
He, however, lamented that he is unable to take action because he doesn’t control the security apparatus necessary to arrest them.
Governor Lawal added that he has the capacity to wipe out banditry in the state within two months if given direct control of security agencies, but it is unfortunate that the security operatives only receive instructions from Abuja.
Naija News understands the Governor broke down in tears while recounting recent attacks in a video which went viral on Wednesday, lamenting that when bandits recently attacked Shinkafi Local Government, security forces on the ground refused to move because they lacked authorisation from Abuja.
Lawal insisted that with his knowledge of the terrain and the locations of criminal leaders, he could swiftly end the menace if he had the necessary powers.
4. Police Summon El-Rufai, Other ADC Leaders Over Criminal Conspiracy
The Kaduna State Police Command has invited former governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.
Naija News reports that the police invitation letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, directed the ADC Kaduna State Chairman to produce El-Rufai and seven other party members at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8, 2025.
According to the letter titled “Investigation Activities: Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, Mischief, and Causing Grievous Hurt,” the individuals were being called to clarify allegations lodged against them by the complainants.
While details of the complaints were not mentioned, the police emphasised that the invitation was part of ongoing investigation activities aimed at maintaining public peace and order in the state.
5. IGP Officially Appoints New Force Public Relations Officer
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Thursday by the outgoing Police PRO, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi.
CSP Hundeyin holds a BA (Hons) in English Language from Lagos State University and an MSc in Legal Criminology & Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan.
He also obtained a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a Member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM).
A seasoned communicator, CSP Hundeyin previously served as the Police Public Relations Officer at Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, was part of the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID) in 2020, and served as the Administration Officer at the Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja. Until his present appointment, he was the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command.
6. Japa: How My Blood Was Drained Monthly In Libya – Mercy
A rescued Nigerian migrant from Libya, Mercy Olugbenga, has narrated how she was confined for months, and nurses repeatedly drained her blood so it could be used for her employer’s ailing mother while in the northern African country.
Naija News understands that the rescued Nigerian migrant narrated her ordeal while speaking on the ARISE TV Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday.
Mercy, who dropped out of school at the age of 20, said that she decided to travel to Libya after selling family property to pay for her sick mother’s treatment.
According to her, she was lured to Libya with the promise of greener pastures to enable her to raise money to care for her sick mother.
While revealing that her worst ordeal occurred at the last place she worked, where she was locked in a room for a year, Mercy said she had originally been employed to care for the employer’s mother and do house chores, but became trapped in an exploitative situation once the woman’s medical needs emerged.
She explained that her employer was transfusing her blood to cater for the medical needs of the mother she was employed to care for.
7. Why I Can’t Follow Fela’s Footsteps – Femi Kuti
Afrobeats artiste Femi Kuti has shared the challenges he faced in building his own identity in music.
Naija News reports that the singer, while speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, revealed that from an early age, people constantly compared him to his father, legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and expected him to follow in Fela’s footsteps.
Femi said that pressure came from all sides, schoolmates, strangers, and the public who questioned why he did not immediately embrace his father’s style.
Over time, he realized he could not be anyone else, not even jazz legends like Charlie Parker or John Coltrane, and certainly not Fela.
He understood that he had to be himself and create his own path in music.
He recalled living with his father and even imitating his style, but eventually decided to form his own band.
This move that was initially met with criticism from Fela’s fans and the media.
Femi credited his grandmother’s guidance for helping him stay focused when he was close to losing direction.
Her strict words encouraged him to reconnect with his music and pursue his own success.
Looking back, Femi said that the struggles he faced were necessary to establish his career and artistic voice.
8. Wumi Toriola Admitted To Hospital After Online Backlash
Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola has been admitted in the hospital following intense backlash online.
Naija News reports that the criticism came after she responded to comments made by veteran actor and director Afeez Owo about a character she played in a recent movie.
Afeez Owo, who is married to actress Mide Martins, had shared his view on Wumi’s role during an interview.
Wumi reacted publicly, disagreeing with his remarks.
Her response sparked widespread criticism from social media users and some fans who agreed with Afeez’s assessment.
On Thursday morning, Wumi revealed that the pressure from the online reactions affected her health, leading to her hospitalisation.
She shared a photo from her hospital bed and described the experience as being closely connected to the stress of Internet attacks.
9. Daniel Levy Steps Down As Tottenham Chairman After 25 Years
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Daniel Levy has stepped down as Executive Chairman after almost a quarter of a century in charge.
Daniel Levy, who took over in 2001, leaves his role as the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League.
Under his leadership, Spurs have been transformed from a mid-table side into a global powerhouse, boasting regular Champions League campaigns, a state-of-the-art training ground, and one of the most advanced stadiums in world football.
Levy’s reign saw Spurs qualify for European competitions in 18 of the last 20 seasons, including a Champions League final appearance in 2019, and most recently, a Europa League triumph.
While Levy is stepping back from the chairman’s seat, Spurs confirmed there are no changes to the club’s ownership or shareholder structure.
10. NFF Releases Ticket Prices As Super Eagles Gear Up For Must-Win Clash Against Rwanda
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced ticket prices for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles and Rwanda’s Amavubi.
Naija News reports that the World Cup qualification match is set for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time.
According to the NFF, fans can secure seats at the popular stand for ₦1,000, while access to the VIP section will go for ₦2,000. Tickets will be available at designated centres across Uyo starting Friday, with officials expecting a packed stadium for the Group C showdown.
The encounter comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria, who have endured a shaky start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The three-time African champions have dropped points against teams like Lesotho and Zimbabwe, leaving them in a tight spot with just seven points from six games. Their most recent home fixture ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has stressed the importance of securing maximum points against Rwanda to keep qualification hopes alive.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
The post Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 5th September, 2025 appeared first on Naija News.
