Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 8th July, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 8th July, 2026.

1. Tinubu Orders ICPC To Investigate PFIPC, Demands Report In 30 Days

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of a “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC) and all related matters.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday night by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President directed that the investigation be concluded and a comprehensive report submitted to him within 30 days.

The directive follows the discovery of the fictitious PFIPC, which was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of Government.

One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called PFIPC and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.

Among the issues to be investigated by the ICPC are the forged appointment letters and other official government documents; the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to seek or obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation; and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

2. Presidency Clarifies Viral Video Of Tinubu Reciting Revoked National Anthem At FEC Meeting

The presidency has labelled a viral video of President Bola Tinubu, Ministers, and other attendees reciting the old national anthem at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting as old.

Naija News reports that a video which surfaced online purportedly after the meeting, the anthem was recited immediately the President entered the meeting venue and greeted everyone by saying ‘good afternoon.’

The old anthem begins with the words, “Arise O’ Compatriots,” while the reintroduced national anthem starts with, “Nigeria, we hail thee.”

Reacting to the video online, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Social Media, Segun Dada, in a post via his 𝕏 handle, said the video was from a 2023/2024 FEC meeting.

3. ICPC Confirms Arrest Of El-Rufai’s Doctor, Gives Reason

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of violating the conditions of a court-approved medical visit while in its custody.

Naija News reports that the commission also announced the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, for allegedly making false statements.

In a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the ICPC said it facilitated El-Rufai’s medical visit in line with a court directive and its obligation to respect the welfare of persons in its custody.

The commission said the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for an accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai, but he failed to appear on the first day.

According to the ICPC, its prosecution team informed the court that when officers arrived to take the former governor to court, he declined to follow them and insisted on seeing his personal doctor.

However, it alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed the former governor with several visitors, including Abubakar, during the period scheduled for the medical consultation.

The anti-graft agency said it had treated El-Rufai and other suspects in its custody with “patience, professionalism and courtesy,” but alleged that its goodwill had been abused.

4. Details Of 18 APC First-Term Govs’ Meeting Emerge

Eighteen first-term governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have condemned attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Naija News reports that the governors made their position known in a communiqué issued after their meeting in Kebbi State.

The communiqué was read by the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who hosted the meeting.

The governors said they were aware of the hardship Nigerians were facing as a result of the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

They, however, appealed to Nigerians to support the reforms, saying the sacrifices being made by citizens had not been forgotten.

The governors also condemned attacks and abductions of schoolchildren across the country. They called for prompt action against all forms of attacks on Nigerians, stressing that every citizen deserved protection.

Idris said first-term governors seeking re-election would present their achievements to the people in practical terms.

5. Senate Moves To Stop Pardons For Boko Haram Suspects, Criminals

The Senate on Tuesday approved a prayer seeking to end state pardons and the rehabilitation of criminals, particularly suspected Boko Haram members and other insurgents.

Naija News reports that the prayer followed a motion moved by Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua on the abduction and killing of a former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, and other military officers.

The plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, condemned the rehabilitation of Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminals under deradicalisation programmes by some state governments.

Some senators linked the lingering insurgency, especially in northern Nigeria, to the repeated release of so-called repentant criminals back into society.

The lawmakers also expressed concern over the worsening security situation, warning that the recent abduction and killing of retired military officers showed a dangerous shift in the country’s security challenges.

6. Oshiomhole Tells FG To Seize Profits Of South African Companies For Attacked Nigerians

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on the federal government of Nigeria to seize the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria.

According to him, the seized profits should be used to compensate Nigerians attacked in South Africa as a result of the xenophobic uprisings.

Naija News reports that the former Edo State Governor, who made the submission while speaking on Tuesday on the floor of the Senate, said the action should be taken in response to the South African minister’s refusal to grant compensation to Nigerians.

He said the decision to chase Nigerians out of the country was taken by a mob and given recognition by the South African government, so the Nigerian government should not use taxpayers’ money to pay compensation to the returnees.

7. Peller Granted ₦500,000 Bail After Arraignment For Threatening Police Officers

TikTok creator Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, and his associate, Bello Oladipo, have been granted ₦500,000 bail by a Lagos Magistrate Court after they were arraigned over allegations of obstructing police officers during an operation.

Naija News reports that the court approved the bail for the duo after they pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them by the Lagos State Police Command.

They were ordered to provide two sureties, with one of them required to be a blood relative.

The court also directed them to present their tax clearance documents covering a period of two years before the bail conditions could be completed.

The matter was later adjourned until August 11 for further hearing.

8. ‘It Has Reached My Bones’ – Popular Nollywood Actress Battling Cancer Cries For Help

Nollywood actress, Cynthia Anijekwu, has opened up about battling cancer, appealing to Nigerians for financial assistance.

Naija News reports that Cynthia, in a video via her Instagram page, disclosed that she was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023, when she underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy in a bid to halt the disease.

According to the movie star, the doctors initially managed the condition after the treatment, but the cancer later returned and has since spread to her bones, requiring more intensive care, including radiation therapy and another surgery.

Cynthia Anijekwu added that the cancer has also affected her breasts.

9. Argentina Fight Back To Beat Egypt 3-2 As Messi Recovers From Penalty Miss In World Cup Thriller

Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after recovering from a two-goal deficit in a dramatic last-16 tie.

The reigning champions fell behind in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header from a well-worked corner. Argentina were handed a swift chance to respond after Haissem Hassan fouled inside the area, but Lionel Messi saw his penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir, who registered his second spot-kick save of the tournament.

Shobeir frustrated Argentina throughout the first half with a string of impressive stops. Alexis Mac Allister was denied from close range, Messi struck the woodwork with a free-kick, and Julián Álvarez was also kept out by the inspired Egyptian goalkeeper as Argentina went into the break trailing.

Egypt thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half through Mostafa Ziko, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a foul in the build-up. The Africans eventually got their second in the 67th minute when Mohamed Salah sparked another quick attack before Haissem Hassan squared for Ziko to finish.

Argentina finally found a way back in the 79th minute as Cristian Romero headed in from Messi’s delivery. Four minutes later, Messi made amends for his earlier penalty miss, firing home from the edge of the box to level the game and score in his ninth consecutive World Cup appearance.

With extra time looming, Lautaro Martínez broke into space deep into stoppage time before crossing for Enzo Fernández, who headed home the winner in the 92nd minute to complete an extraordinary turnaround and send Argentina into the last eight.

10. CAF Confirms Enugu Rangers, Rivers United For 2026/27 Champions League Qualifiers

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Enugu Rangers and Rivers United as Nigeria’s representatives for the qualifying rounds of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

CAF released the list of participating clubs earlier today, July 7, confirming that Nigeria is among the 12 countries allocated two slots in the competition. The two NPFL sides will begin their continental campaign in the preliminary round alongside clubs from the other top-ranked member associations.

According to CAF, the countries with two representatives are Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Tunisia. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns are among the confirmed entrants, along with Zamalek, TP Mazembe, Orlando Pirates, Esperance, Young Africans and Simba.

The African football body also announced that 40 member associations will each have one representative in the competition. Those clubs include Medeama of Ghana, Gor Mahia of Kenya, Horoya of Guinea, APR of Rwanda, Vipers of Uganda, Power Dynamos of Zambia and Scotland of Zimbabwe.

CAF said the representatives of Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Somalia are yet to be confirmed because their domestic leagues have not been concluded. The current league leaders are 15 de Agosto/Leones Vegetarianos in Equatorial Guinea, Canchungo in Guinea-Bissau and Heegan in Somalia.

CAF said the first preliminary round will be played from September 4 to 6, with the return legs scheduled for September 11 to 13. The second preliminary round will take place between October 16 and 18 before the return fixtures from October 23 to 25.

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