Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 08 January 2026

Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 08 January 2026

Court Orders Temporary Forfeiture of 57 Properties Linked to Ex-AGF Malami

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. The order was issued on Wednesday by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The court directed relevant authorities to take custody of the properties pending further investigations and determination of the case, as part of ongoing efforts to recover assets allegedly acquired through illicit means.


Unpaid Bonuses: Super Eagles Refuse Travel for AFCON Fixture

Players and coaches of the Super Eagles have reportedly refused to travel to Marrakech for their next Africa Cup of Nations fixture over unpaid bonuses. The development was disclosed on X by BBC Africa journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.

The standoff comes despite Nigeria’s strong showing at the tournament, raising concerns about preparations ahead of the crucial match.


Bandits Attack National Park Service Personnel in Oyo

Suspected bandits on Tuesday night attacked personnel of the National Park Service in Oloka village, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing and injuring several officers. The attack reportedly occurred around 9:00 pm on January 6, 2026.

Sources said the assailants caught the officers by surprise, prompting renewed calls for improved security around protected areas.


Kwankwaso Vows to ‘Laugh Last’ Amid NNPP Defection Crisis

Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed confidence that he will prevail in the ongoing defection crisis involving Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf. He urged supporters to return to the grassroots and mobilise ahead of future contests.

“This is the most important thing before you as some people are defecting,” Kwankwaso said, dismissing concerns over the party’s internal challenges.


Wike Calls Rivers Governor Fubara ‘a Bad Child’

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as “a bad child” over the handling of projects inherited from the previous administration.

Wike made the remark during a thank-you visit to Asari-Toru Local Government Area, accusing Fubara of cancelling projects he had handed over.


Labour Threatens Showdown Over New Tax Laws

Organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, has urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of new tax laws.

The unions warned of a possible confrontation, alleging that workers’ inputs were excluded from both the drafting and implementation processes.


Gunmen Kill Herdsman in Plateau Attack

Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked herders in Gero community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one person and injuring another.

The incident was confirmed by the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who described the attack as barbaric.


Panic as Hoodlums Clash with Axes in Meiran

Residents of Meiran were thrown into panic on Wednesday as hoodlums reportedly chased one another with axes around Kabowei Bus Stop.

Eyewitnesses said no life was lost during the fracas, which occurred around 1:00 pm, though residents temporarily fled the area.


FRSC Blames Wrongful Overtaking for Fatal Lokoja–Abuja Crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps in Kogi State has attributed a fatal accident on the Lokoja–Abuja road to wrongful overtaking.

The crash, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed five lives and left seven others injured, including three children.


Ex-PDP Chairman Accuses Rivers Governor of Illegal Spending

Former PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of illegally spending public funds.

Ewor alleged that the state is operating without a valid 2026 budget, raising questions about fiscal governance.


FG Denies Abandoning Nigerian Scholarship Students in Morocco

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigerian scholarship students in Morocco have been abandoned, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said all valid beneficiaries remain under government support, noting that payment delays were due to fiscal constraints now being addressed.


No Governor Controls APC — Yilwatda

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, has rejected claims that governors dominate the ruling party’s affairs.

Speaking on a radio programme in Jos, he said the APC operates through defined national structures, insisting that “nobody supervises me.”


Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

He made the declaration at a rally in Abuja, saying his ambition predates recent political realignments.


Malami Denies Attempt to Influence Judge

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has denied allegations that he attempted to bribe or influence Justice Emeka Nwite.

Malami described the claims as false and misleading, insisting neither he nor anyone acting on his behalf compromised the court.


INEC Explains Denial of Access Codes to Labour Party

The Independent National Electoral Commission has explained its decision to withhold access codes from the Labour Party ahead of the February 21, 2026, FCT Area Council election.

INEC said the action was due to the party’s leadership crisis and ongoing court cases, noting that the matter remains sub judice.


PDP South-South Insists Wike, Fayose Expulsions Stand

PDP South-South Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, has maintained that the expulsion of Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, and others remains valid.

He dismissed contrary claims, saying the party’s November convention lawfully expelled the chieftains over alleged anti-party activities.


Adekunle Gold, Simi Reportedly Welcome Twins

Nigerian music stars Adekunle Gold and Simi have reportedly welcomed a set of twins.

Adekunle Gold revealed the news via Snapchat, saying they prayed for another child and were blessed with two.


Regina Daniels Undergoes Drug Test Amid Controversy

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has announced that she voluntarily underwent a drug test amid swirling rumours about her personal life.

In an emotional Instagram post, she described recent months as deeply challenging but credited support from loved ones for her resilience.


Super Eagles Threaten Training Boycott Over AFCON Bonuses

The Super Eagles have threatened to boycott training and travel at AFCON 2025 in Morocco over unpaid match bonuses.

Despite winning all their matches so far, players and coaches insist they will not proceed to Marrakech unless the issue is resolved.


Arne Slot Hails Arsenal Ahead of Emirates Clash

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has described Arsenal as the Premier League’s most complete team ahead of their clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Slot praised Arsenal’s balance and lack of weaknesses while defending Liverpool’s style amid recent criticism of their performances.

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