Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 12th June, 2026

Published June 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 12th June, 2026.

1. Tinubu Govt Declares June 12 Public Holiday

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Friday, June 12, as a public holiday in commemoration of Democracy Day.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the government said June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country.

The Minister reaffirmed the Tinubu’s administration commitment to the preservation of democratic ideals, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

2. House Of Reps Passes State Police Bill

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the State Police Bill following a decisive vote during plenary on the legislative proposal.

Naija News reports that 289 lawmakers reportedly supported the bill, while four members opposed it, according to proceedings at the chamber.

The development came as the House earlier resolved that voting on the bill would be conducted manually during consideration of key legislative items.

In total, 290 members were present at plenary for the day’s legislative business.

The bill, which seeks to establish a state-level policing structure, remains one of the most closely watched security reform proposals before the National Assembly.

3. 262 Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Arrive Lagos

The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived in Lagos.

Naija News understands that the returnees, numbering 262, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a government-arranged evacuation flight operated by Air Peace.

The flight, which was coordinated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies, was part of efforts to bring home Nigerians affected by the recent violence and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.

The evacuees arrived safely at the airport, where officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and security agencies were on ground to receive them.

The returnees are expected to undergo documentation and profiling before being reunited with their families.

Government officials said the exercise was necessary to properly identify the evacuees and provide the needed support after their return.

4. 2027 Election: Atiku Accuses Tinubu’s Government Of Undermining Democracy

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of systematically weakening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and targeting opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a Democracy Day statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku said June 12, which should be a celebration of democratic governance and popular sovereignty, has instead become a moment for Nigerians to reflect on what he described as the gradual erosion of democratic ideals.

According to him, the country has witnessed a deliberate campaign over the past three years to weaken opposition parties through leadership crises, political intimidation, orchestrated defections and the alleged misuse of state institutions.

“Over the past three years, Nigerians have witnessed a deliberate and coordinated effort to weaken, fragment, and neutralise opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The former vice president alleged that institutions meant to operate independently have increasingly been used to suppress opposition voices.

5. House Of Representatives Announces New Minority Leader

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has officially announced Hon. Fred Agbedi from Bayelsa as the new Minority Leader of the 10th House of Representatives.

Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen announced the new principal officers moments after settling down for the day’s business.

Also appointed is Sokoto State lawmaker, Abdusamad Dasuki, who will serve as Deputy Minority Leader. Bauchi State representative, Mansur Manu Soro, has been named Minority Chief Whip.

Fred Agbedi is from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Mansur Manu belongs to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Abdusamad Dasuki represents the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Naija News reports that the announcement followed a mild drama on Thursday at the National Assembly as opposition members of the House of Reps insisted on the declaration of Fred Agbedi as the Minority Leader of the House.

6. Senate Rejects Arrest Warrant Against Former NNPC Boss, Knocks Oshiomhole

The Senate on Thursday dissociated itself from the warrant of arrest reportedly issued against a former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, by its Committee on Public Accounts.

The upper legislative chamber also distanced itself from comments attributed to the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly described the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves” during the committee’s hearing on Wednesday.

The Senate said the remarks did not represent its official position, resolution, opinion, finding or determination.

The clarification followed resolutions adopted during plenary on Thursday after a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

The chamber declared that no Senate committee has the authority to issue, authorise or execute a warrant of arrest except in strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and with the express approval of the President of the Senate.

The resolutions came barely 24 hours after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly considered and recommended the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Kyari over allegations that he failed to honour invitations extended to him by the committee.

7. Ruger Takes Break From Music, Gives Reason

Nigerian singer Michael Adebayo, popularly known as Ruger, has taken a break from music as he deals with a legal matter involving his former girlfriend.

Naija News reports that the singer’s record label, in a statement released on Thursday, explained that his absence from the music scene is linked to the ongoing issue, which has kept him away from his usual activities.

According to the label, the matter started after his former partner filed a case against him over claims involving emotional distress and damages.

The development has caused the singer to focus on handling the situation while putting his music projects on hold for now.

Ruger, who is known for songs like “Bounce” and “Asiwaju” has remained quiet as the issue continues.

His team revealed that fans should expect to see him return to the music scene in August.

8. Basic Feeding Has Become Luxury – Ruth Kadiri Laments Rising Cost Of Living

Popular Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri, has voiced concern over the growing cost of living in Nigeria, saying many families are struggling to meet basic feeding needs as food prices continue to rise.

Naija News reports that Kadiri shared her concerns in a video posted on her Instagram page on Wednesday, where she spoke about the hardship many Nigerians are facing due to the country’s economic situation.

According to her, the rising cost of food and other essentials has become a heavy burden on households and is affecting the emotional well-being of many people.

The actress said she rarely complains about challenges but admitted that recent events have left her deeply troubled.

She noted that if people who are financially comfortable are beginning to feel the pressure of the economy, the situation could be much worse for low-income earners trying to survive on modest salaries.

9. Omar Artan: Somali Referee Denied US Entry Gets UEFA Super Cup Appointment

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup.

European football governing body, UEFA, announced the appointment on Thursday, hours before the start of the World Cup.

Naija News understands that Artan will take charge of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winners Aston Villa.

The appointment comes days after FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer be part of the World Cup following his inability to enter the United States.

UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, praised Artan, describing him as a young but experienced referee who had distinguished himself on the African continent.

10. Real Madrid Confirm Appointment Of José Mourinho

José Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge after the club confirmed his appointment as first-team coach until June 30, 2029.

The decision was approved by Real Madrid’s Board of Directors at a meeting chaired by club president Florentino Pérez earlier today, June 11, 2026.

In an official statement, the club said: “The Board of Directors of Real Madrid CF has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as first team coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029.”

Mourinho will officially begin work on July 13 when Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations get underway.

The Portuguese manager, 63, makes a dramatic return to the Santiago Bernabéu 13 years after leaving the club in 2013. His appointment follows the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa and comes after a season in charge of Benfica.

Benfica confirmed earlier this week that Real Madrid were prepared to pay €15 million in compensation to release Mourinho from his contract in Portugal.