Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 4th June, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 4th June, 2026.

1. Court Sentences Four Owo Church Attack Convicts To Death

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four persons to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Naija News reports that the court delivered the judgment after finding the defendants guilty in the terrorism case brought against them by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Nwite delivered the judgment on Wednesday in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, four years after gunmen and bombers stormed the church during a Pentecost Sunday service and opened fire on worshippers.

He said he was satisfied that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the four defendants.

The court held that the four convicted men were principal members of an Al-Shabaab terrorist cell operating in Kogi State who joined the group in 2021, attended planning meetings in Kogi and Ondo States on May 30 and June 4, 2022, and then invaded the church on June 5, holding worshippers hostage and using improvised explosive devices and AK-47 rifles in furtherance of their religious ideology.

The four convicts were among five defendants who had been standing trial on a nine-count charge relating to terrorism and other offences connected to the attack.

2. Gunmen Kidnap Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Children

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped the immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons.

Media aide to the former minister, Femi Awogboro, disclosed this in a statement.

Naija News reports that Adelabu is currently an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for the 2027 election.

According to the statement, Adelabu’s sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

The unfortunate incident occurred while John-Paul was on her way to drop her children at school.

3. ‘I Refused To Carry Out Babachir Lawal’s Criminal Directive’ – ADC Primary Returning Officer

The Returning Officer for the Adamawa primaries of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nicholas Msheliza, has accused former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, of attempting to influence and alter the outcome of the party’s recent presidential primary.

Naija News understands that Msheliza, the chairman of the ADC electoral committee in Adamawa State, made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Msheliza said he rejected Babachir Lawal’s request to reverse the outcome in Hong Local Government Area in favour of his candidate, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, over former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

While threatening to release evidence to support his claims, Msheliza insisted the results reflected the actual votes cast.

According to him, Atiku won Hong LGA with 11,991 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 2,493 votes and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi got 377 votes.

Msheliza further alleged that shortly after his refusal, Lawal dissolved the local electoral committee and set up a parallel structure that conducted an illegal exercise across several LGAs, including Hong, Madagali, Michika and Mubi North.

He claimed the move produced concocted results and contradicted the official tally already recorded by the original committee.

4. We Are Heartbroken – NLC Breaks Silence On Oyo Teachers, Schoolchildren Abduction

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared support for the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the abduction of pupils, students and teachers in different parts of the country.

The labour centre also called for the immediate rescue and release of all abducted victims, warning that the worsening insecurity around schools had become unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (today) and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC described the strike as a necessary response to the increasing attacks on teachers, schoolchildren and educational institutions.

The Congress said the action by teachers showed their determination to defend themselves and draw national attention to the dangers confronting the education sector.

The NLC said the strike was not only a protest but also a strong message to the government on the need to urgently address insecurity.

5. Ugochinyere Emerges House Of Reps Minority Leader-Designate

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere has emerged as the Minority Leader-designate of the House of Representatives after securing the backing of 61 opposition lawmakers.

Documents obtained by The Whistler showed that the lawmakers, drawn from various opposition parties in the House, nominated Ugochinyere for the position and submitted their endorsement to the Speaker.

The Speaker is expected to announce the decision at the next plenary.

The development followed the vacancy created by the exit of former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chinda also emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State.

6. They Are Not Asking For Rice – Atiku Fires Tinubu Over Oyo Kidnap Response

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the reported dispatch of government officials bearing bags of rice and other palliatives to the families of Oyo kidnap victims as cruel, morally bankrupt, and an open confession of failure.

Naija News reports that Atiku stated this via a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

He warned that a government unable to protect schoolchildren has failed one of the most basic tests of leadership.

Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately mobilise all security and intelligence agencies to secure the unconditional release of the schoolchildren and their teachers.

7. FIFA Names Davido For World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert In Los Angeles

Nigerian music star Davido has been confirmed as one of the headline performers for FIFA’s World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, marking another major international stage for the award-winning artist.

In a statement released on Tuesday, FIFA announced that Davido will join Major Lazer, the music project led by Diplo, for the June 10 event at the Crypto.com Arena.

The concert is part of FIFA’s first synchronised live entertainment series spanning the three host nations of the 2026 World Cup: Canada, Mexico and the United States. Additional performers are expected to be unveiled in the coming days.

“Los Angeles will play host to a high-energy celebration, featuring Diplo’s Major Lazer and Davido, the first artists announced for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music, football and culture,” FIFA said.

8. ‘I’m Sorry, Forgive Me’ – Yinka Alaseyori Bows To Pressure, Apologizes Over Oyo Kidnapping Remark

Nigerian Gospel singer, Yinka Alaseyori, has appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness following her recent comments on the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

Naija News reports that the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has continued to generate concern among Nigerians, with many calling for intensified efforts to secure the release of the victims.

Reacting to the development, Yinka, in a video via her Instagram page, said Nigerians need to keep praying over recent insecurity issues, stressing that the government is doing all it can to ensure that peace is restored.

However, the singer’s remark infuriated many Nigerians and sparked backlash.

In a video shared on Instagram Wednesday, Yinka Alaseyori expressed regret over her earlier remarks, saying she never intended to make anyone feel unheard or dismissed.

Yinka said she discovered that many Nigerians were unhappy with her comments and felt that their concerns over the plight of the abducted victims were not being taken seriously.

She further pleaded for forgiveness, particularly from mothers and families affected by the incident, adding that she would never deliberately disregard their pain.

9. Kristian Prenga Vows Early Knockout Against Anthony Joshua

Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga has promised to stop former world champion Anthony Joshua before the 10th round when the pair meet in Saudi Arabia on July 26.

Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Kristian Prenga made it clear he is not travelling to the Middle East to make up the numbers.

The hard-hitting Albanian said Joshua should prepare for a different kind of challenge, insisting his power will be too much for the British star.

Prenga, who describes himself as a fighter rather than a boxer, believes he is capable of producing one of the biggest upsets in recent heavyweight history.

10. Rasmus Højlund Completes Permanent Napoli Switch From Man United

Manchester United have confirmed the permanent departure of striker Rasmus Højlund to Napoli after the Italian club activated the clause tied to their qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The deal, worth £43.2 million including last season’s loan fee, brings an end to Højlund’s three-year spell at Old Trafford following his £72 million arrival from Atalanta in 2023.

The Denmark international spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan with Napoli and impressed enough for Antonio Conte’s side to secure his services on a long-term basis. Højlund scored 16 goals in 44 appearances, helping Napoli lift the Supercoppa Italiana and finish runners-up in Serie A.

His permanent transfer is understood to be worth around £38 million and is expected to help fund Napoli’s move for midfielder Éderson from Atalanta.

Højlund leaves United with 26 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions. Despite flashes of promise, he struggled to consistently justify his hefty transfer fee and was moved down the pecking order after the arrival of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig last summer.

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