Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 30th January, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 30th January, 2026.

1. Coup: How Plan To Kill Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas At The Same Time Was Uncovered

A covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS) helped thwart an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and detain or harm key political figures, Premium Times reports.

Multiple senior sources within the administration said the scheme began to unravel in late September 2025 after a serving military officer with direct knowledge of the plan contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede. According to the insider, the officer feared being implicated in treason if he failed to report the scheme.

At around the same time, the SSS independently gathered intelligence suggesting some serving military personnel were plotting to destabilise the government and undermine Nigeria’s democracy, according to an official familiar with the matter.

The source said SSS Director‑General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed Gen. Oluyede on the findings.

Faced with converging intelligence from multiple sources, the two security chiefs agreed to act swiftly. A discreet joint operation was launched, with coordinated arrests planned across the country to neutralise suspected masterminds and collaborators.

On September 30, 2025, as President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official engagement, reportedly unaware of the plot, security agencies moved to dismantle the alleged conspiracy. A number of military and civilian suspects were arrested during the sweep.

2. Fuel Price Jumps Twice In 24 Hours As NNPCL, Others Adjust Pump Price

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other filling stations have increased petrol pump prices twice within 24 hours, with NNPCL outlets now selling the product at ₦875 per litre in parts of Abuja.

A survey by DAILY POST on Thursday showed that the latest adjustment came barely a day after NNPCL raised its pump price to ₦839 per litre on Wednesday, up from ₦815.

The new price has taken effect at NNPCL retail outlets in Gwarimpa, Kubwa Express, Wuse Zones 4 and 6, and other areas of the Federal Capital Territory.

A fuel attendant at one of the stations, who requested anonymity, confirmed the development.

The adjustment means NNPCL has increased petrol prices by ₦60 per litre within 24 hours.

Private fuel marketers have also adjusted their prices upward. Ranoil, Empire Energy and other filling stations in Abuja were seen selling petrol at between ₦899 and ₦900 per litre.

Meanwhile, MRS filling stations increased their pump price by ₦100, selling at ₦839 per litre.

3. Senate Moves Behind Closed Doors To Scrutinize Electoral Act Bill

The Senate on Thursday commenced consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2026, moving into a closed-door session to scrutinise documents submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.

The closed session was convened to enable lawmakers to carefully study the proposed amendments and accompanying documents before resuming open debate on the bill on the floor of the chamber.

The decision to hold a closed session followed the Senate’s earlier move to defer consideration of the bill on Wednesday, a step taken to allow senators sufficient time to prepare for an in-depth review of the proposed electoral reforms.

Naija News reports that although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, the Senate resolved to subject it to rigorous examination, citing the far-reaching implications of the legislation on Nigeria’s electoral system.

Speaking before the chamber went into the closed session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of careful scrutiny, describing the bill as critical to the country’s democratic process.

4. ‘It Is Economic Sabotage, I Will Not Tolerate It’ – Soludo Accuses Politicians Of Sponsoring Sit-at-Home

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has stated that the Monday sit-at-home observed by some traders is a deliberate attempt to disrupt economic activities in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Light House in Awka, Soludo accused some politicians of orchestrating the renewed Monday sit-at-home

He asserted that the weekly closure of these major markets “is not a coincidence but a coordinated effort by individuals he called enemies of the state and the South East region.”

He added that the development amounts to “economic sabotage” and emphasised that it “will not be tolerated by his administration.”

The governor warned traders that the one-week closure imposed on Onitsha Main Market last Monday would remain in effect and could be extended by an additional two weeks if the market fails to open on a Monday after the current sanction expires.

He also dismissed threats from traders to take legal action against the state government over the market’s closure.

5. Kano Government Moves To Settle Emirate Tussle

The Kano State Government has said the long-running Emirate dispute in the state will soon be settled through peaceful means.

Naija News reports that the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, made this known while speaking with journalists in Kano on Thursday.

The Emirate issue began after Muhammadu Sanusi II was returned as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024.

His reinstatement followed the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Governor Yusuf took the step shortly after signing the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Bill 2024 into law.

The new law replaced the 2019 Emirate Council Law and dissolved the additional emirate councils created under the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.

Waiya said the government had already taken clear steps aimed at restoring peace and stability across the state.

He explained that the administration was engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the matter does not continue to cause tension or affect governance.

6. House Of Reps Approve Tinubu’s ₦58.18 Trillion 2026 Budget For Second Reading

The House of Representatives on Thursday began discussions on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2026 Appropriation Bill, endorsing a proposed ₦58.18 trillion budget anchored on macroeconomic stability, enhanced security, and increased capital expenditure.

Christened “The Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” the 2026 budget was presented to the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, and has been lauded by lawmakers as a defining moment in Nigeria’s economic re‑engineering.

Speaking on the general principles of the appropriation bill, House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonvbere said the Tinubu administration inherited “distorted and disarticulated institutions,” and warned that meaningful reforms would be difficult but necessary.

The House then unanimously passed the budget for second reading and adjourned plenary for two weeks for the scheduled budget defence.

7. How My Ex Used Police To Kick Me Out After I Caught Him Cheating – Osas Ighodaro

Actress Osas Ighodaro has shared a difficult moment from her past as she spoke about how a former relationship ended in heartbreak.

Naija News reports that the actress spoke during an interview on the Lone Wolf podcast with Nicole Asinugo.

She explained that she once decided to visit her partner without informing him, hoping to surprise him.

On getting to his house, she knocked and waited for several minutes before he finally opened the door.

Instead of welcoming her, he questioned why she came without notice, a response that made her uncomfortable.

Osas said she attempted to enter his room but discovered that the door was locked.

When she asked why, he first told her someone was inside.

After she continued to question him, he later admitted it was a woman, not a man.

He then asked her to sit down, saying there was something important they needed to discuss. The situation soon became tense.

According to her, he contacted security personnel and ordered them to remove her from the house.

8. You Abandoned Us For Years – Drama As Bunmi Akinnaanu’s Son Bars Father From Singer’s Burial

Tension broke out during the burial activities of gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, as her son barred his biological father from taking part in the ceremony.

According to a video seen by Naija News, the young man was confronting his father and denying him access to the venue.

The son reportedly accused his father of abandoning the family for many years.

He claimed the man was absent throughout their childhood and during the painful period when their mother battled a long illness.

The children were said to have depended completely on their mother, who single-handedly provided for them and ensured they stayed in school.

In one of the clips, the son expressed anger over his father’s absence during what he described as his mother’s time of deep suffering, when she struggled with sickness while still raising her children alone.

9. CAF Hands Heavy Sanctions To Senegal, Morocco, Suspends Pape Thiaw, Hakimi Over AFCON 2025 Final Chaos

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a sweeping set of disciplinary measures against the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, following the chaotic scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.

In a statement released late Wednesday, January 28, CAF confirmed that the punishments stem from breaches of its Disciplinary Code, including violations of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the title clash.

CAF imposed a series of fines and suspensions on Senegal, citing misconduct by players, officials and supporters.

CAF suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches, citing unsporting conduct.

Morocco and its federation were also punished for conduct during the final.

10. NFF Reacts As Super Eagles Star Samuel Chukwueze Loses Mum

Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been thrown into fresh mourning following the death of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, the mother of Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze.

Naija News reports that Mrs Chukwueze passed away in the early hours of Thursday, January 29, 2026, after a brief illness, dealing a heavy blow to the football community and the family of the AC Milan winger.

The sad news was confirmed on Thursday morning by the footballer’s siblings, Princess Chukwueze and David Chukwueze, through separate posts on their social media platforms.

In their announcements, the siblings described their late mother as the matriarch of the Chukwueze family, noting that her death came suddenly after a short illness.

The announcement immediately sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans, teammates and football stakeholders across the country.

Reacting to the development, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, described the late Mrs Chukwueze as a strong and supportive presence in the lives of her children, especially Samuel.

Sanusi noted that the Super Eagles winger had often spoken about his mother’s influence on his football journey and professional growth.

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