Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday, 23rd October, 2023

Top Headlines from Naija News, Monday, 23rd October 2023:

1. Suspected insurgents, believed to be Boko Haram, have attacked a customs house in Geidam town, Geidam Local Government Area (LGA). One customs officer, identified as Usman Gombe, was tragically killed during the attack.

   The insurgents reportedly arrived at the customs house on Maine Soroa road in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover at around 10pm on Saturday, opening fire upon arrival.

2. Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, showcased her prowess by scoring a pair of goals as Barcelona dominated Granada 6-1 in the Spanish women’s league on Saturday.

   Oshoala’s first goal came in the 80th minute, extending Barcelona’s lead to 5-0. A mere two minutes later, she netted her second goal, marking Barcelona’s sixth of the match.

3. The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent armed bank robbery in Otukpo, Benue State, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives. The attack, which claimed the lives of both police officers and innocent civilians, has been deemed an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies are dedicated to upholding.

   In a heartfelt message, the IGP conveyed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims affected by this senseless act of violence. He confirmed that two of the suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape. The IGP emphasized that the assailants behind this brazen act of criminality have indeed “murdered sleep” in the Otukpo community. He pledged that every resource and effort will be dedicated to swiftly apprehending and bringing these individuals to justice.

4. Prof. Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has reaffirmed his stance that the President should not have the authority to appoint chairmen of the electoral body.

   Jega made this argument during a two-day retreat organized for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.

5. The newly appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, is poised to confront a backlog of twenty-five unresolved cases involving former governors, ministers, and senators.

   This development comes after the Senate confirmed Olukoyede as the EFCC Chairman, just four months after the suspension of the former chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

6. The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has denied recruiting underaged Nigerians into its employ.

   A photograph had emerged on social media of a new recruit of the agency who looked underage. The photograph was taken during the passing out parade of 2,500 NDLEA officers.

   This has drawn a backlash, as Nigerians accused the anti-narcotics agency of recruiting a teenager. Reacting, NDLEA said such claims by Nigerians would amount to “body-shaming.”

7. Confusion and grief gripped the community of Umuahia in Abia State as news of the sudden death of a musician named Chika Ofor spread on the eve of a burial ceremony in Amuzukwu, Umuahia North LGA.

   The tragic incident unfolded on Friday night, as Chika Ofor took to the stage during a wake-keep event honoring a 94-year-old individual. Shortly after beginning his performance, Ofor collapsed, causing great alarm. Eyewitnesses reported that, after falling, he began vomiting.

8. The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a resounding condemnation of the recent armed bank robbery that took place in Otukpo, Benue State. The robbery led to the tragic loss of lives, including police officers and innocent civilians.

   This audacious attack, carried out by daring armed robbers, resulted in the loss of three police officers and multiple innocent civilians. In a statement released on Saturday, Police Spokesman ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi decried this act of violence as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies are committed to upholding.

9. Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday evening, while on his way to an official event in Abuja.

   IDOMA VOICE reports that the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement, disclosed that the attackers, who were clad in military uniforms, ambushed the governor’s envoy and started shooting at his vehicle.

10. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says it expects the Supreme Court judges to deliver justice in the petition by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar against the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 2023 elections.

    The party in a statement on Sunday called on the apex court to validate the common saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, adding that the PDP is optimistic of victory in the petition before the apex court.