Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 31st December, 2025

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 31st December, 2025

1. No Going Back, New Tax Laws Will Commence On January 1, 2026 – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the new tax laws will take effect from January 1, 2026, as planned, despite objections from some quarters.

The President made the declaration in a statement on Tuesday in which he explained that the new laws are not designed to raise taxes but to drive harmonization.

President Tinubu noted that his administration is aware of agitations in some quarters over the new tax laws, but added that no substantial issue has been raised to warrant a suspension of the implementation process.

He promised that the government would ensure due process in the implementation of the laws and work with all stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to resolve all identified issues against the new tax laws.

2. Abubakar Malami Remanded In Kuje Prison

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre following his appearance in court on Tuesday.

The remand order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Naija News reports that Justice Nwite ordered Malami’s remand along with his co-defendants, his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his associates, Bashir Asabe, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

Recall that Malami and his co-defendants were dragged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a 16-count money laundering charge brought against them.

However, as earlier reported by Naija News, Malami and others, who were accused with him, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

After taking arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN), the judge adjourned the case to January 2, 2026, for bail application hearing.

3. “ADP4VIP”: FG Denies Targeting ADC, Other Opposition Members

The federal government has dismissed allegations that the Bola Tinubu administration has deployed security and anti-graft agencies against opposition members in the country with the aim of arresting or detaining them unlawfully.

Categorically, the government denied setting up a task force tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).

Naija News reports that the denial was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

According to the statement, the claim that the “ADP4VIP” was set up to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, to aggressively target prominent opposition figures without due process is entirely false.

According to Idris, there is no such programme as “ADP4VIP and President Tinubu is a democrat who remains committed to the rule of law, due process and independence of institutions.

4. PDP Reveals Next Step As INEC Excludes Candidate From Ekiti Governorship List

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to approach the court to seek redress over the exclusion of its candidate from the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2026 Governorship Election in Ekiti State.

The PDP, in a statement on Tuesday, accused INEC of showing bias towards the PDP by excluding its candidate from the released list.

Naija News recalls that the list, which was pasted on Monday at the INEC headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, contains the names of governorship candidates and their running mates from 12 political parties cleared to participate in the election.

However, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Wole Oluyede, was conspicuously absent from the list released by the electoral umpire.

Reacting in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said INEC failed to act with caution and responsibility for excluding its candidate who emerged from a duly monitored primary election.

He added that there is also no court order restraining the Commission from recognising Oluyede as the PDP’s candidate.

The PDP cautioned INEC to always act in defence of democracy, and never in antagonism to it.

5. “Fubara Must Go Through Wike To Win Anything” – APC National Vice Chairman

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South South, Victor Giadom, has declared that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, remains the ‘dependable’ party leader in Rivers State.

According to him, nobody, including the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, can win anything in the Gokana area of Rivers State without going through Wike.

Naija News reports that Giadom made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking during Wike’s Thank You Visit to the people of Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He affirmed the loyalty of the people of Gokana to Wike, adding that the community is a no-go area for any other politician, including Fubara.

6. Kebbi Govt, Police Dismiss Bomb, Helicopter Claims In Hospital Explosion

The Kebbi State Government and the State Police Command have debunked speculations suggesting that a bomb explosion or helicopter attack was responsible for the recent blast at Bagudo General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area.

In separate statements issued on Tuesday, both authorities attributed the explosion to a fire outbreak involving gas cylinders, not an explosive device.

Speaking in Birnin Kebbi, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion occurred in the hospital staff quarters due to a gas-induced fire.

The Kebbi State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, also confirmed that the explosion was a result of an inferno that overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders.

A tactical team comprising Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts and the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team conducted an on-site assessment, which ruled out any explosive or aerial involvement.

He urged the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified reports that could cause panic.

7. I’m Not OBO’s Wife, Allow Us Move On In Peace – Sophia Momodu

First baby mama of Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, better known as Davido, Sophia Momodu, has warned fans against referring to her as the wife of the music star.

Naija News reports that Sophia, during an Instagram live session, recounted her experience with a male content creator who publicly referred to her as “OBO’s wife.

Sophia explained that she does not appreciate being referred to as Davido’s wife, stressing the importance of respecting people’s choices and marriages.

According to Sophia, she has moved on from the singer and urged fans to do the same.

She also hinted that she is in a relationship.

8. Anthony Joshua: ‘We Need A Govt That Treats Human Life As Sacred, Not Disposable’ – Comedian AY Blows Hot

Nigerian ace comedian cum Nollywood actor, Ayo Makun, better known as AY, has blamed the government over the tragic accident involving British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua.

Naija News recalls that the World heavyweight boxer was on Monday involved in a road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Makun area of Ogun State.

He was reportedly travelling in a Lexus SUV with registration number KRD 850 HN, which collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of two people, while Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries.

Reacting to the development, Ay, in a post via his Instagram page, described the situation as devastating, stressing that it is due to the failure of the country’s road safety systems, infrastructure and leadership.

The thespian emphasised that the accident is traumatising and unacceptable, adding that the country needs a government that treats human life as sacred, not disposable.

9. Super Eagles Of Nigeria See Off Uganda To Finish Group C Perfectly At AFCON 2025

The Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up their Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a confident 3-1 win over Uganda.

The win extended the Super Eagles’ flawless run and highlighted their status as one of the tournament’s early pace-setters.

The Super Eagles, already assured of progress, showed no signs of easing up as goals from Paul Onuachu and a second-half brace by Raphael Onyedika proved decisive against a spirited Ugandan side.

Nigeria took control midway through the first half when Onuachu rose highest in the 28th minute to head home the opener, rewarding a period of sustained pressure. Uganda tried to respond after the break and briefly gave themselves hope through Salim Magoola, who found the net in the 56th minute to reduce the deficit.

Any momentum Uganda hoped to build was short-lived. Just six minutes later, Onyedika struck to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion, finishing calmly after a slick move through midfield. The same player made it 3-1 on 67 minutes with a powerful effort that effectively settled the contest.

10. Tyson Fury Reacts To Anthony Joshua’s Accident, Hints On Return To Boxing

British heavyweight boxer, Tyson Fury has broken his silence following the serious road accident involving long-time rival Anthony Joshua in Nigeria, as the former heavyweight champion also dropped a fresh hint about a possible return to the ring.

Naija News reports that Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal crash on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun, where two key members of his team, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, lost their lives.

The SUV carrying them reportedly slammed into a stationary truck, triggering scenes of devastation that have since grabbed the attention of the boxing world.

The police confirmed that Joshua escaped with what were described as minor injuries.

However, sources close to the 36-year-old have raised concerns that the extent of his injuries could be more serious than initially made public, especially after footage from the scene showed him wincing as he was assisted away from the wreckage.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.