Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 2nd July, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 2nd July, 2026.

1. ‘DSS, Police Alerted’ – Presidency Breaks Silence On Gbajabiamila Alleged Bribery Scandal

The Presidency has dismissed allegations of bribery levelled against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing them as false and the handiwork of a man allegedly posing as the Director-General of a non-existent government agency.

Naija News reports that the Presidency was reacting to allegations made by the acclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council/Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.

Adeyemi had accused Gbajabiamila of demanding ₦27.4 billion as a take-off grant for the agency and alleged that the Chief of Staff received ₦400 million through proxies to facilitate his appointment, with an outstanding balance of ₦200m.

The claimant had also urged President Bola Tinubu to constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations and compel the Chief of Staff to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the allegations, accusing Adeyemi of peddling falsehood.

2. ICPC Confirms Former Minister Nnaji’s Arrest, Gives Reason

The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has confirmed the arrest of the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Commission, Nnaji was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Naija News reports that the ICPC explained that the former Minister was arrested based on a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court after ignoring several invitations to appear for investigative interviews.

The Commission confirmed that Nnaji is now in its custody for further investigation.

3. How Long Will This Be With Us? Obasanjo Laments Existence Of Civil War Triggers

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concerns that many of the factors that led to the 1967–1970 civil war still exist within the country’s institutions and among its citizens.

Naija News reports that Obasanjo spoke on Wednesday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while receiving a historical documentation on the Asaba Massacre from the Isama Ajie of Asaba, Chuck Nduka-Eze.

Obasanjo said many of the grievances that culminated in the civil war had yet to be fully addressed and warned that Nigeria must never experience another civil war.

The former president also recalled intervening during the war to prevent a soldier from raping a woman in Asaba, noting that such an act would have carried consequences of command responsibility.

Obasanjo, who served as a military commander during the Nigerian Civil War, said he had always refrained from commenting extensively on the Asaba Massacre because the area was under the command of the late General Murtala Muhammed.

He further commended Nduka-Eze for documenting the events, saying the work would help preserve Nigeria’s history and prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.

4. 2027: ‘Era Of Ballot Box Snatching, Manually Rewriting Results Is Gone’ – Amupitan Declares

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent ballot box snatching and manual manipulation of election results in the 2027 election.

According to him, INEC has implemented robust technological and legal safeguards to ensure the votes of Nigerians count.

Naija News reports that Amupitan made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, on a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters.

During their discussions, the two men agreed to deepen collaboration on voter education ahead of the 2027 polls.

The INEC chairman said the commission must begin intensive civic engagement immediately, warning that voter apathy and disinformation remain dangerous threats to the integrity of the electoral process.

5. Tinubu Explains Why He Approved New NYSC Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has explained that his approval of the recent reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and preparing them to contribute more meaningfully to national development.

Naija News reports that Tinubu stated this in a post on his verified 𝕏 handle on Wednesday, following the approval of the reforms by the Federal Executive Council on Monday.

The President described the changes as the most significant reforms of the NYSC scheme since it was established in 1973.

Tinubu said the reforms were part of his administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians.

The President noted that the scheme had played a major role in promoting national unity for more than five decades.

He, however, said Nigeria’s present realities required the NYSC to go beyond its traditional mandate and respond to the needs of young people in a changing economy.

6. ‘Allow PDP To Die’ – Akpabio Tells Wike

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday mocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he didn’t know the party was still in existence.

Akpabio made the declaration while speaking at the inauguration of the full-scope development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street in the Gaduwa district of Abuja, where he almost said the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), when he was actually trying to recognise members of the NWC of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) present at the event.

After he almost committed the gaffe, Akpabio said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, should stop confusing people and allow the PDP to die.

“I didn’t know there was still PDP. Wike stop confusing us, if a party has died allow it to die,” the Senate President said.

7. I’m Not Ready For A Baby – Peller Speaks On Jarvis Pregnancy Rumours

Nigerian TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has denied rumours claiming that his fiancée, Jarvis, is expecting a baby.

Naija News reports that speculation about Jarvis being pregnant has been making the rounds on social media in recent weeks.

Many users pointed to photos and videos of her, claiming they noticed what looked like a baby bump.

The rumours became stronger after a video of the couple shopping for their wedding asoebi fabric appeared online, with some viewers saying her stomach looked bigger than usual.

Speaking during a livestream, Peller rejected the claims, saying he and Jarvis are not planning to have a child at this stage of their relationship.

According to him, he wants to become far more successful financially before starting a family.

8. We Are Tired Of Songs About Women, Your Songs No Longer Motivate – Portable Blasts Wizkid, Davido

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has expressed concern over the type of music being released by some of Nigeria’s biggest artistes.

According to him, wealth and fame have changed their approach to making music and affected the messages in their songs.

Naija News reports that the singer shared his opinion in a post on his Instagram page where he mentioned Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and Olamide.

Portable said the four music stars now focus more on songs about women, luxury and expensive lifestyles instead of creating music that speaks to the everyday struggles of ordinary people.

He said their songs no longer inspire listeners or pass meaningful lessons that can help people in their daily lives.

Portable said their success has made them lose touch with the experiences of many Nigerians.

The Zazu crooner also called on his fellow musicians to change direction by producing more conscious songs that carry positive messages.

He added that artistes should also create more gospel-themed music that encourages people to remember God.

9. Harry Kane Double Sends England Into World Cup Last 16, DR Congo Out

England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and book their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to rescue Thomas Tuchel’s side after a sluggish start.

DR Congo stunned England inside the opening 10 minutes. Chancel Mbemba picked out Brian Cipenga with a superb cross-field pass and the winger cut inside before drilling a low finish beyond Jordan Pickford at his near post. England struggled to respond and came closest through a fortunate deflection from Declan Rice’s delivery that drifted narrowly wide.

The cooling break helped England regain their composure. Noni Madueke created a fine chance for Marcus Rashford, whose low effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. At the other end, Yoane Wissa nearly doubled DR Congo’s advantage but struck the outside of the post from close range.

England pushed harder before half-time but were frustrated by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Kane’s penalty appeal was waved away by both the referee and VAR before the striker saw a powerful volley kept out. Rashford then wasted another promising opening early in the second half by firing into the side netting.

The equaliser finally arrived in the 75th minute. Anthony Gordon delivered a cross from the left and Kane guided his header back across goal into the far corner to restore parity.

Kane completed the turnaround four minutes from time with a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area after Jude Bellingham’s initial effort had been blocked. The finish sealed England’s comeback win and sent the Three Lions into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

10. Chelsea Complete £47m Signing Of Marco Palestra From Atalanta

Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth around £47 million, including add-ons.

Marco Palestra, 21, has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the club holding the option to extend it by a further year. He becomes Chelsea’s first signing since Xabi Alonso was appointed manager.

Palestra had been expected to return to his boyhood club Inter Milan, but Chelsea moved swiftly to outbid the Italian side’s reported £43 million offer. Sources in Italy also say the Premier League club offered the defender a more lucrative salary package.

Palestra arrives after an outstanding season on loan at Cagliari, where he was named Serie A Defender of the Year. His performances also earned him his senior international debut for Italy during the World Cup play-offs.

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